The Tamil Nadu government has rescinded its directive that barred school and college students from participating in protests organized by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) and Left-wing parties. This decision came just one day after the controversial order was issued, highlighting the swift response to public and political backlash.
The government eventually reversed course on Wednesday. Earlier reporting noted: Behind Vijay govt’s move to withdraw order barring students from joining Left, CJP-like protests: ‘Democratic win’ The Tamil Nadu government on Wednesday withdrew a controversial circular directing that students be prevented from participating in protests of Leftist groups and parties, including the Cockroach Janta Party, after it sparked a row. Earlier reporting noted: In the circular, the commissioner of collegiate education directed college principals on Saturday to initiate interdepartmental coordination and integrated action with the school education and higher education departments, police, and district administrations to prevent students from participating in protests. On Wednesday, the directorate said the circular has been withdrawn.
The order was addressed to principals of government arts and science colleges across Tamil Nadu. The issue has also taken on a political dimension in Tamil Nadu. The Left parties had extended unconditional outside support to Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) in June to help the party form the government after it emerged as the single-largest party in the Assembly elections but fell short of a majority. With the government now withdrawing the directive, the immediate confrontation over restricting student participation in protests has been defused. The U-turn, however, has brought renewed attention to the Tamil Nadu government’s approach to student activism and political demonstrations. It asked for immediate details of the action taken. “This victory is not just a win for SFI’s protest. “We will not let students’ voices be suppressed. We will continue to fight for democratic rights.”
Schools and colleges were also asked to submit an action-taken report to the government by August 20. In an order issued by Joint Director of Collegiate Education Cynthia Selvi P, the department said its earlier communication dated August 17 had been withdrawn. The protests later escalated, with violence reported during a march towards Parliament on July 20, when tear gas and water cannons were used to disperse demonstrators.
It is a democratic victory demonstrating that if students unite and raise their voice for their rights, they can question the government,” said SFI’s Tamil Nadu chief C Mrithula.
Earlier reporting noted: The Students’ Federation of India (SFI), the Communist Party of India (Marxist)’s student wing, called the withdrawal of the circular a victory for democratic rights of students.
