3 min readNew DelhiJan 23, 2025 09:55 PM IST
First published on: Jan 23, 2025 at 09:55 PM IST
Students of Ashoka University at Sonipat in Haryana have been protesting for four days over the university administration introducing new security protocols, including baggage scanners and metal detectors, which students have claimed were “blatant violation of privacy”.
In a statement, Ashoka University Student Government (AUSG) said on Thursday that the new measures were announced on January 13 by Himanshu Sachdev, vice-president (Operations), in an email titled ‘Change of Access Protocols and Enhancement of Campus Security’.
Effective January 17, the AUSG stated that the new rules made it mandatory for students to enter and exit the campus from Gate 2, located 230 m from Gate 1 — the original entry and exit gate — and required all to go through baggage scans and metal detectors. Students must also empty their pockets when passing through the detectors, it added.
“This policy was a blatant violation of student privacy and an encroachment upon the rights of students disguised as an attempt to improve security and prevent substance abuse,” the AUSG said.
“As students returned (to the campus on the January 17), cases of privacy violations and invasions monitoring surfaced,” it further said. “Incoming vehicles faced invasive searches, including glove compartment and under-seat spaces… Furthermore, student’s personal belongings like shampoo bottles were sniffed to identify alcohol…”
While the protest began formally on January 20, the statement said that on January 19, a group of students gathered at Gate 2 to raise their concerns. The administration responded by throwing water on the atrium floor at the gate – historically been used to hold protests – to prevent students from congregating, it added.
“Over 120 students have been protesting at the administration block everyday but we are yet to get a concrete answer from the administration,” said a third-year student.
“Today is day 4 of the protest… earlier students used to enter the campus through Gate 1 but now all students have to enter and exit the campus through Gate 2 only,” the student added.
In the statement, the AUSG sought action and a formal response from the vice-chancellor (V-C). “The student body has conveyed that until substantive action and a formal response is provided by the V-C, along with a town hall, the students will not back down from the demands, and will take necessary escalatory steps.”
“However, the protest will remain non-violent and peaceful…,” it added.
In a statement to The Indian Express, the university defended the new measures, emphasising that they were introduced “to enhance safety and welfare of students and campus residents”. “These measures have been implemented in consultation with faculty and staff representatives and keeping the student government and campus ministry involved, since safety of students and their well-being is of paramount concern to us,” it added.
Students of Ashoka University in Haryana have been protesting for four days. (File) 
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