Hyderabad: Students of Maulana Azad National Urdu University (MANUU) on Friday said they will intensify protests against the Telangana government. They alleged that the Congress administration plans to acquire university land for real estate purposes.
Students oppose land acquisition notice
The issue surfaced after the Ranga Reddy district administration issued a land acquisition notice. Students strongly objected to the move. They said the land was originally allotted for university infrastructure and academic expansion.
According to student representatives, protests have already begun on campus. Moreover, they warned that they will escalate agitation if authorities divert land meant for education.
Allegations against government
Students accused the government of favouring real estate interests. Therefore, they demanded immediate withdrawal of any proposal affecting university land.
They also targeted A. Revanth Reddy, who holds the education portfolio. They alleged that the government was attempting to alienate land allotted to educational institutions.
Furthermore, they warned that any attempt to take over MANUU land would trigger a sustained student movement.
Call for joint action committee
Meanwhile, student leaders called for unity across the campus. They said they will seek support from teaching and non-teaching staff. In addition, they announced plans to form a joint action committee to protect university assets.
They also appealed to civil society groups and political parties, including opposition parties, to support the agitation.
Finally, students claimed that nearly 50 acres of land are at risk. They said they will soon announce a detailed protest plan. They reiterated that the movement aims to protect educational infrastructure and prevent diversion of public assets meant for higher education.
