Jaipur: Rajasthan University student Shubham Rewar, who had been on a hunger strike for the past eight days, was shifted to SMS Hospital by police and district administration officials Thursday after his health deteriorated. Rewar had been protesting outside the university’s main gate, demanding the establishment of a Rajasthani Language Department and restoration of student union elections across the state.Police presence on the campus increased Thursday morning. Between 1.30 pm and 2 pm, Rewar was taken to the hospital in an ambulance. As he was being shifted, supporters raised slogans, alleging that students were merely seeking fulfillment of their demands.Rewar was on a hunger strike demanding the establishment of a Rajasthani Language Department and the restoration of student union elections across the state.In a video message from the hospital, Rewar said, “I was forcefully picked up from the protest site at RU and admitted to SMS Hospital. I am pressured here to end my strike, with repeated attempts to feed me. I have stated in writing that my hunger strike will continue until our demands are met. Youth must wake up now, come out of their homes, and ask the govt why student union elections are not being conducted and why students are not being given the opportunity to develop leadership skills.”Students at the protest site termed the police action an attempt to suppress the agitation. They alleged that instead of initiating dialogue on the issues raised by the protesters, the govt was trying to dismantle the movement.Speaking to the media while being shifted, Rewar said, “Instead of resolving our legitimate demands, the govt is attempting to weaken the movement through police intervention. I will continue my hunger strike even in the hospital until the govt issues a clear written order regarding our demands.”Leader of the Opposition Tikaram Jully criticised the police action in a post on X, calling the detention of the hunger-striking student “highly condemnable”. He said it was unfortunate that “instead of engaging in meaningful dialogue, the administration is adopting a repressive attitude”, which he said was against democratic values. Jully urged the state govt to intervene immediately and resolve the issue through dialogue.Congress leaders have been pressing the govt since Wednesday night to hold talks with Rewar. Former Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot also urged immediate intervention, saying it reflected the “insensitivity” of both the govt and the university administration that no dialogue had taken place despite the demands falling within the state’s jurisdiction.
