Date:27/09/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/09/27/stories/2008092761561200.htm

National

Arjun Singh backs Jamia decision

Special Correspondent

NEW DELHI: Union Human Resource Development Minister Arjun Singh on Friday said the decision of the Jamia Millia Islamia to provide legal aid to two of its students who have been accused by the Delhi Police for alleged involvement in serial blasts, was in the national interest.

A day after Bharatiya Janata Party criticised the move, Vice-Chancellor Mushirul Hasan met the Union Minister and explained the decision to extend legal help.

Mr. Singh said he did not see anything wrong in providing legal aid. He received complete details from Professor Hasan and from whatever he was told “I understand in this context, the decision of the university is in the interest of the nation.”

On his part, Professor Hasan said that the charge by the BJP that the university was diverting government funds to provide legal aid to these two students was “baseless.” He said the decision was that of the Academic Council. Ruling out resignation, as demanded by the BJP, Professor Hasan emphasised that he would stand by the decision.

He appealed to political parties not to politicise the issue cautioning that its repercussion would not be good. Professor Hasan also said classes were going on as normally and that the recent incidents did not affect the confidence of the students.