Tension grips University of Hyderabad as Velivada demolished

Gachibowli: A day after the removal of Velivada (Dalit ghetto) at the University of Hyderabad, the student unions burnt the effigy of the vice-chancellor Appa Rao Podile protesting the demolition of Velivada. ASA, SFI, SIO, MSF and almost all other student organisations were part of the march. The university administration has sent a notice to dismantle the Velivada at the shopping complex area. The university authorities in the letter stated that digging the concrete floor, usage of plastic and flexes inside the campus was not allowed, hence the demolition.

Karthik, an SFI member, opined "The structure contained the photos of national icons such as Ambedkar, Jyotiba Phule, Savitribhai Phule, Ayyankali, Periyar and Shahu Maharaj. Removing their figures from the open space has been considered as an insult for the entire caste movement and renaissance occurred in this country." The students were planning to conduct programmes to commemorate the death of Rohith Vemula on January 17. However, this dismantling act by the authority has enraged many students and pro-Dalit organisations. The student unions are planning to continue the protest and strengthen their pressure upon the government for the removal of Vice Chancellor, Appa Rao Podile.

What happened to Rohit was an institutional murder and VC is still part of the case which is pending in High Court. The government need to ensure Justice for the Dalits and the insult happened for the national icons has to be addressed properly. Actions speak louder than the words,” commented Munna. Sannaki Munna, president, ASA said, "We received a mail after 6:30 in the evening that means after office timings and without providing any time to respond they hastily removed the structures in during midnight in a grisly manner."