Ex HRD Secy Subrahmanyam calls JNU violence unacceptable

New Delhi: Former Higher Education Secretary R. Subrahmanyam condemned the Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) violence calling it "completely unacceptable and shameful" and demanded action against hooligans.

"JNU violence completely unacceptable and shameful. I condemn the violence is no uncertain terms and demand immediate action against the hooligans," Subrahmanyam tweeted.

His tweet came following an unprecedented violence which occurred in the JNU on Sunday as several masked individuals, both male and female, thrashed students, including girls, and teachers inside the campus with wooden and metal rods, injuring many.

Subrahmanyam, a 1985-batch IAS officer and a JNU alumni, was last month shifted to the Social Justice Ministry from the Human Resource Development (HRD) Ministry, allegedly over the JNU student protests since the end of October over a hike in hostel fees.

Amit Khare, also a 1985-batch IAS officer, replaced Subrahmanyam.

As per sources, Subrahmanyam was in favour of resolving the issue by keeping the JNU students' demands in mind while the JNU administration was reluctant.

The agitating students were lathi-charged by the police when they tried to march to Rashtrapati Bhavan to meet the President and urge him to ensure the hike in hostel fee is completely rolled back.