New Delhi: The slogans rang out once again across Delhi University’s Arts Faculty Thursday as students returned to the streets, insisting that the movement ignited at Jantar Mantar was far from over.Leading the mobilisation, All India Students’ Association (AISA) organised a ‘victory gathering’ that kept the spotlight on unemployment, fee hikes and what it described as anti-student policies. Several students expressed solidarity with those injured during the demonstrations, questioned the reported use of pellet guns and criticised the university administration’s reported warning of legal action against those who participated in the protest.Addressing the gathering, AISA national president Neha Bora said the significance of the agitation extended beyond Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation. “The lesson is that when students commit themselves to a united struggle, reject the politics of division and fight for their education and future, they can force even the most powerful rulers to bow,” she said.She argued that the movement was entering a new phase rather than ending. “The struggles for affordable education, employment, democratic rights and justice are still alive, and the energy created by this victory must be channelled into those movements,” Bora said. Urging students not to forget those injured during the protests, she added, “Their wounds have not yet healed”.AISA has also announced a month-long nationwide campaign, ‘Gen Z Rising’, to take the message of the Jantar Mantar movement to campuses across the country.The gathering drew students from across the university, some arriving specifically for the event, others stopping after hearing the slogans. Sahil, a law student, said Pradhan’s resignation alone was insufficient. “He will soon be given another position. There should be criminal action against him,” he said.Many students also criticised the four-year undergraduate programme and the National Education Policy, arguing that vocational modules such as Swachh Bharat and Fit India were being prioritised over courses that improve employability. “These vocational courses are a waste of time,” said Shivam, a first-year student from South Campus.Student protests continued elsewhere on campus as well. Five NSUI members Thursday ended their eight-day hunger strike after the university administration issued a written assurance agreeing to address the students’ demands. The fast, held under the banner of the NSUI-led DU Satyagraha, had sought, among other demands, a public apology from the vice-chancellor over the university’s advisory cautioning students against participating in the Jantar Mantar protest.Krantikari Yuva Sangathan also held a protest march in North Campus. The organisation submitted a memorandum to the VC, giving the university 15 days to act on its demands or face intensified protests. Key demands included the rollback of recent fee hikes and the HEFA-NEP 2020 funding model, better quality SOL study material, more postgraduate seats and safeguards for students’ democratic rights.
