News Analysis India

Tag: Aligarh Muslim University

  • Tariq Mansoor resigns as AMU Vice-Chancellor after being nominated UP MLC

    By PTI

    ALIGARH: Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) Vice-Chancellor Tariq Mansoor resigned from the post on Tuesday, a day after he was nominated as a member of the Uttar Pradesh Legislative Council.

    Pro Vice-Chancellor Mohammad Gulrez will officiate as the Vice-Chancellor till Mansoor’s successor is appointed, according to a notification issued by AMU Registrar Mohammad Imran.

    In an open letter to university students and staff on Monday, Mansoor said, “As I demit office, this is the last time I address you as the Vice-Chancellor. I had the opportunity of serving the institution for six years during good and challenging times.”

    He thanked the AMU community for standing by him during this time, especially in facing the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

    VIDEO | UP minister Danish Ansari reacts to Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) Vice Chancellor Tariq Mansoor’s nomination as member of the state legislative council. pic.twitter.com/sTFGNOh6mm
    — Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) April 4, 2023
    Mansoor’s resignation came weeks before his tenure was to end.

    He assumed office as the Vice-Chancellor of AMU on May 17, 2017, for a period of five years.

    His term was to end in May 2022, but amid exceptional circumstances prevailing in the wake of the pandemic, the Centre extended his tenure by one year.

    According to a notification issued by Chandrashekhar, Special Secretary, Government of Uttar Pradesh late on Monday night, Mansoor is among six people nominated by the Governor as MLCs against eight vacancies.

    ALIGARH: Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) Vice-Chancellor Tariq Mansoor resigned from the post on Tuesday, a day after he was nominated as a member of the Uttar Pradesh Legislative Council.

    Pro Vice-Chancellor Mohammad Gulrez will officiate as the Vice-Chancellor till Mansoor’s successor is appointed, according to a notification issued by AMU Registrar Mohammad Imran.

    In an open letter to university students and staff on Monday, Mansoor said, “As I demit office, this is the last time I address you as the Vice-Chancellor. I had the opportunity of serving the institution for six years during good and challenging times.”googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-8052921-2’); });

    He thanked the AMU community for standing by him during this time, especially in facing the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

    VIDEO | UP minister Danish Ansari reacts to Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) Vice Chancellor Tariq Mansoor’s nomination as member of the state legislative council. pic.twitter.com/sTFGNOh6mm
    — Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) April 4, 2023
    Mansoor’s resignation came weeks before his tenure was to end.

    He assumed office as the Vice-Chancellor of AMU on May 17, 2017, for a period of five years.

    His term was to end in May 2022, but amid exceptional circumstances prevailing in the wake of the pandemic, the Centre extended his tenure by one year.

    According to a notification issued by Chandrashekhar, Special Secretary, Government of Uttar Pradesh late on Monday night, Mansoor is among six people nominated by the Governor as MLCs against eight vacancies.

  • AMU drops works of two Islamic scholars from syllabus over allegation of ‘objectionable’ content

    By PTI

    ALIGARH: The Aligarh Muslim University has removed the works of 20th-century Islamic authors Abul Ala al-Maududi and Sayyid Qutub from the syllabus of Islamic Studies Department following claims that the content was objectionable.

    About 20 scholars had recently written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi complaining about the inclusion of the work of the two authors in the syllabus.

    The decision to drop the texts, which the protesting scholars claimed propagated radical political Islam, was taken on Monday, a senior AMU official said.

    “We took this step to avoid any further unnecessary controversy on this topic since some scholars have criticised the works and have complained to the PM regarding what they have described as objectionable contents in the works of the two authors,” the official told PTI on Wednesday.

    He said this should not be considered an erosion of academic freedom.

    Abul Ala al-Maududi (1903-1979) was an Indian Islamic scholar who migrated to Pakistan shortly after Partition.

    He founded the Jamaat-e-Islami, a Muslim organisation in India and Pakistan.

    His leading works include “Tafhim-ul-Quran”.

    He graduated from the Deoband seminary in 1926 but fell out with it and its political wing Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind.

    Sayyid Qutub (1906-1966), an Egyptian author, was also a leading member of the Muslim Brotherhood in the 1950s and 1960s.

    He was known for his radical views and was jailed for opposing President Gamal Abdul Nasser of Egypt.

    Qutub authored over a dozen works, including a commentary on the Quran and “Social justice in Islam”.

    AMU spokesperson Omar Peerzada said the works of these authors were part of optional courses and, hence, they could be dropped without discussing the issue in the Academic Council, as is mandated if any change is to be made in the syllabus.

    ALIGARH: The Aligarh Muslim University has removed the works of 20th-century Islamic authors Abul Ala al-Maududi and Sayyid Qutub from the syllabus of Islamic Studies Department following claims that the content was objectionable.

    About 20 scholars had recently written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi complaining about the inclusion of the work of the two authors in the syllabus.

    The decision to drop the texts, which the protesting scholars claimed propagated radical political Islam, was taken on Monday, a senior AMU official said.

    “We took this step to avoid any further unnecessary controversy on this topic since some scholars have criticised the works and have complained to the PM regarding what they have described as objectionable contents in the works of the two authors,” the official told PTI on Wednesday.

    He said this should not be considered an erosion of academic freedom.

    Abul Ala al-Maududi (1903-1979) was an Indian Islamic scholar who migrated to Pakistan shortly after Partition.

    He founded the Jamaat-e-Islami, a Muslim organisation in India and Pakistan.

    His leading works include “Tafhim-ul-Quran”.

    He graduated from the Deoband seminary in 1926 but fell out with it and its political wing Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind.

    Sayyid Qutub (1906-1966), an Egyptian author, was also a leading member of the Muslim Brotherhood in the 1950s and 1960s.

    He was known for his radical views and was jailed for opposing President Gamal Abdul Nasser of Egypt.

    Qutub authored over a dozen works, including a commentary on the Quran and “Social justice in Islam”.

    AMU spokesperson Omar Peerzada said the works of these authors were part of optional courses and, hence, they could be dropped without discussing the issue in the Academic Council, as is mandated if any change is to be made in the syllabus.

  • Battle for ​Uttar Pradesh: Aligarh Muslim University panel puts out ‘charter’ for political parties

    By IANS

    ALIGARH: The coordination committee of Uttar Pradesh state executive body of the Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) has passed a 15-point resolution as a charter of ‘Muslim issues’ and sought its inclusion in the election manifesto of political parties.

    The committee has also sought an assurance of the implementation of the issues.

    In the resolution passed by the committee, comprising over 100 members including teaching, non-teaching staff, students and alumni, it demanded speedy investigation and release of innocent persons framed under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act and National Security Act.

    It also demanded compensation and rehabilitation of victims who were falsely implicated by security agencies and subjected to prolonged incarceration and severe torture, but found innocent and acquitted by courts of law.

    The resolution further demanded enactment of comprehensive anti-communal and anti-hate crime law with the provision of ‘stringent punishment and speedy trial and formation of a task force having adequate representation of stakeholders for vigilance of harassment and atrocities on minorities’.

    The committee said the election is crucial for the community, having been subjected to “systematic harassment by the communally-biased ruling dispensation and disappointed by the silence of all secular parties which had enjoyed power due to their electoral support”.

  • AMU Vice Chancellor Tariq Mansoor tests Covid positive, urges others to take caution

    By PTI

    NOIDA: The vice chancellor of the Aligarh Muslim University has tested positive for COVD-19 infection with mild symptoms, the varsity said.

    VC Prof Tariq Mansoor has isolated himself but is continuing his duties from his official residence through online mode, the AMU announced on social media.

    “AMU Vice Chancellor Prof Tariq Mansoor is border line COVID positive, tested positive today with mild symptoms/asymptomatic. Performing his official duties from his official Residence in online-mode,” the AMU tweeted on Wednesday.

    The university quoted a tweet from the 65-year-old Mansoor to make the announcement.

    “I have tested COVID positive today with mild symptoms / asymptomatic. I urge all concerned who have recently come in contact with me to take necessary precautions in accordance with the COVID protocol of health authorities,” the VC tweeted from his handle which is yet-to-be-verified by Twitter.

    Aligarh had a total of 69 active cases of coronavirus, according to a UP government data updated till Wednesday.

    The AMU had lost over 30 teachers during the second wave of the pandemic last year, according to varsity officials.

  • Posters condemn AMU VC for condoling Kalyan Singh’s death; UP govt calls it ‘Talibani thinking’

    By PTI

    LUCKNOW/ALIGARH: Posters condemning the Aligarh Muslim University Vice-Chancellor for condoling former chief minister Kalyan Singh’s death appeared on the campus, prompting the Uttar Pradesh government to warn of strict action against people having “Talibani thinking” after getting the matter probed.

    The posters, displayed on the AMU campus with “Students of Aligarh Muslim University” written on them, said, “Praying for a criminal is an unforgiving crime”.

    “The condolence words of the AMU VC on the demise of ex-chief minister of Uttar Pradesh Kalyan Singh are not only a matter of shame but also hurt the religious sentiments of our community,” the poster said.

    ​ALSO READ | Kalyan Singh cremated with full state honours, Ram temple approach road to be named after him

    It alleged, “Kalyan Singh is not only the main culprit in the demolition of Babri Masjid but also an offender for not obeying the Supreme Court’s order.

    “The VC’s condolence has brought disgrace to the entire AMU fraternity, its traditions and the Aligarh Movement that believe in justice and fairness. We strongly condemn our VC for his shameful act.”

    Tariq Mansoor is the Vice-Chancellor of Aligarh Muslim University.

    Reacting sharply, state minister Mohsin Raza said the VC acted as per “our culture” and putting up such posters was an attempt to vitiate the atmosphere.

    “If some persons of Talibani ‘soch’ are there, we will also treat them accordingly,” he said.

    ALSO READ | UP govt to name roads after late CM Kalyan Singh in six districts 

    The minister said the matter will be probed and strict action will be taken so that it will set an example for others.

    “‘This is a university of Hindustan. Taliban (Afghanistan’s militia group) is not here. This is an attempt to vitiate the atmosphere,” said Raza, who is the minister of state for minority welfare, Muslim Waqf and Haj.

    AMU officials were not available for comments.

    BJP veteran Kalyan Singh died after a prolonged illness on Saturday night in Lucknow.

    He was the UP chief minister when the Babri Mosque was demolished on December 6, 1992.

    Along with BJP veterans L K Advani and M M Joshi, Singh was among the 32 people acquitted in the demolition case in September 2020.

    The 89-year-old former UP chief minister hailed from the Aligarh district.

  • AMU students say Azam Khan ‘deliberately’ targeted, denied bail on ‘political grounds’

    By PTI
    ALIGARH: Aligarh Muslim University students on Monday held a march in the campus to protest against the denial of bail to Lok Sabha member from Rampur and former Uttar Pradesh minister Azam Khan.

    The students alleged that Khan was being “deliberately” targeted and denied bail on “political grounds”.

    Former secretary of the AMU students’ union Huzaifa Aamir said students were “seriously concerned” regarding the health condition of the MP.

    Khan, who was lodged in Sitapur jail in connection with cheating and many other cases, was admitted to a hospital in Lucknow recently after his health condition deteriorated.

    After handing over a memorandum to AMU Proctor Mohamed Wasim Ali, addressed to the President of India, Aamir told media persons that “the AMU community was very disappointed by the role of Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav for not standing beside Khan who is one the founding members of the party”.

    He said, “Yadav’s role unfortunately is limited to tokenism and issuing tweets.”

    The memorandum, a copy of which is also being sent to the Chief Justice of India, has urged the President to intervene in the matter for granting bail to Khan on health grounds.

    It also seeks special protection for the life and security to Khan and his family.

  • Asaduddin Owaisi’s AIMIM raises demand for Aligarh Muslim University in Bihar

    Express News Service
    PATNA: AIMIM legislators in Bihar now have now taken a political resolve to ratchet up the demand for a ‘special package’ under Article 371 of the Constitution for all-round development of Seemanchal region of Bihar and setting up the Patna High Court bench in Purnia.

    Interacting with Bihar AIMIM legislators through a video conferencing from Hyderabad, AIMIM President and MP Asaduddin Owaisi on Saturday directed them to reach out to the needy people and try to help them as much as possible. Owaisi also discussed in details some local issues stressing the need to be with the people of Seemanchal for their holistic development.

    Sharing the news, AIMIM Bihar youth wing president Aadil Hassan said that the party has also decided to work on the demand for setting up the Patna High Court Bench in Purnia and establishment of Aligarh Muslim University centre in Kishanganj. “Our party has also taken up discussions on railway-related projects in Seemanchal region, especially the Araria – Galgalia railway project completion. The demand for the construction of the New Airport in Purnia is also on the top agenda of the party”, Hasan said.

    Owaisi also took a review on relief works, which are being done by the party legislators during the Covid-19 pandemic in the constituencies represented by AIMIM legislators. Hasan said that a delegation of party leaders, led by Owaisi, will meet union ministers during the upcoming parliament monsoon session and represent development issues to Seemanchal.

    The AIMIM has been demanding since the days of elections a ‘special package’ under Article 371 of the Constitution for the Seemanchal region. Quoting details, Hasan said that Owaisi has asked his legislators to work on ensuring proper MSP for farm –produces, especially for Maize, and proper arrangements from the government to watermelon, banana, and tea growers. Apart from all this, Owaisi instructed the Bihar legislators to strengthen the party political activities and organise district wise and booth-level meetings. “In this regard, the party has appointed district-wise observers and coordinators to carry on party’s reach deeper among the people”, he said.

    Owaisi also appointed MLA from Jokihat Shahnawaz as party coordinator for Araria District, MLA Baisi Syed Ruknuddin for Purnia district and the Youth President Bihar Adil Hasan for Katihar District. Izhar Asifi, who is MLA from Kochadaman and Azhar Nayeemi, MLA from Bahadurganj have also been appointed as observers for Kishanganj and Thakurgunj respectively.

    The virtual meet was attended by legislators Akthar Ul Iman, Anzar Nayeemi, Shahnawaz, Izhar Asifi, Syed Ruknuddin, party general secretary Aftab Ahmed and party youth president Aadil Hasan.

  • AMU asks students to vacate hostels, return home due to Covid pandemic

    By PTI
    ALIGARH: The Aligarh Muslim University has asked students to vacate its hostels and return home in view of the COVID-19 pandemic, even as a student leader expressed strong reservations, saying those from rural areas would face difficulties in continuing studies online due to poor connectivity.

    The decision to this effect was taken during an online meeting of top university officials on Thursday and the order was issued on Friday by the varsity’s registrar, Abdul Hamid.

    Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) spokesperson Prof Shafey Kidwai said it is in “the interest of students and their health that they vacate the hostels and stay in the safety of their homes”.

    Former AMU students’ union president Faizul Hasan on Saturday said by staying in hostels students, who are mostly from rural areas, were able to continue their online studies, which will be very difficult to manage from their native places because of connectivity issues.

    It will also become difficult for them to complete admission and other formalities, he said, adding that during travel students will be in the risk of contracting the infection.

    Hasan also pointed out that a large number of students were residing in different hostels when restrictions were imposed in Uttar Pradesh in view of the pandemic.

    Besides, at the campus students are getting the best of medical assistance, including Covid vaccination, which will not be available in most rural areas, he said and urged AMU authorities to review its decision.

    The registrar has said that letters will be sent by the provost to parents of students who are residing in hostels to ensure that their wards vacate hostels and return home.

    The letter will be sent to all parents impressing upon them that this step is necessary to ensure safety of health of students in wake of the pandemic, the registrar pointed out.

  • Did vaccine hesitancy played significant role in COVID spread at AMU campus? V-C thinks so

    By PTI
    ALIGARH: AMU Vice Chancellor Tariq Mansoor on Thursday said vaccine hesitancy played a big role in the spread of coronavirus in the campus, where at least 40 serving and retired teachers have died in recent weeks due to COVID or COVID-like symptoms.

    Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) authorities also launched a vaccination audit and urged all employees to provide their vaccination status and that of their family members for “future health planning and streamlining the vaccination drive”.

    “Vaccine hesitancy has played a significant role in the incidence of large number of cases of COVID-19 among university employees and their families, and consequent morbidity and mortality,” the VC said in an open letter to AMU community.

    Last week, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath had visited the AMU campus and pointed that vaccination could have saved lives.

    Notably, 19 serving teachers at the university and at least 21 retired teachers lost their lives due to COVID-19 and COVID-like symptoms in recent weeks.

    The Vice-Chancellor said two vaccination centres are currently operational at the campus and appealed to the AMU community to shed doubts regarding the efficacy of the vaccines in preventing any further loss of life.

    “All studies indicate that vaccines provide protection against serious disease, hospitalizations and deaths,” he said.

    To tackle the current crisis and prepare for a possible third wave of COVID, the Vice-Chancellor has also instituted a high-level 15 member committee to draw a roadmap for shoring up resources and medical facilities at the campus.

    The committee will be headed by the AMU registrar and will include the principal dean and the superintendent of the medical college hospital.

    It will also plan additional resources and equipment for the paediatric wards keeping in mind the possible threat to children.

    Earlier, at the request of the Vice-Chancellor, ICMR had conducted genome sequencing of coronavirus samples around the campus but found that no new strain was responsible for the large number of deaths in the area.

  • No new virus strain behind spate of Covid-19 deaths in AMU: Official

    At least 38 AMU teachers, including 21 serving ones, have died of Covid or Covid-like symptoms in the last one month, triggering doubts if any new deadly strain of the virus has been in circulation.