CPI(M) Polit Bureau has issued the following statement on November 12

THE Polit Bureau condemns the police action against JNU students who were peacefully protesting against the recently announced massive hike in hostel fees. This hike will only ensure that JNU will become an elitist university as against its current character that promotes students from diverse backgrounds to afford higher education. According to JNU’s annual report, around 40 per cent of the students admitted in 2017 had a parental income of less than Rs 12,000 per month.

JNU has produced generations of socially conscious citizens and nation builders due to this character of providing affordable education drawing in students from the backward regions and marginalised sections. This blossoming of talent at affordable cost is what is being attacked. This is not acceptable.

The obdurate refusal by the vice chancellor to even discuss with the student union leaders is what led to this situation. The union HRD minister has assured the students that he shall direct the VC to start talks with the students. This should be immediately done.