Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Sept 19: Amidst standoff with Jammu University administration over the demand for removal of all those responsible for procedural lapses that allegedly led to death of Associate Professor Chander Shekhar Chandra, JU Teachers Association (JUTA) today announced to extend its ongoing pen-down strike for three more days.
Decision to extend the strike was unanimously taken during the special General Body Meeting of JUTA, which was convened today to discuss future course of action as the ongoing pen down strike entered 8th day in the aftermath of the death of Dr Chandra Shekhar.
The JUTA reiterated its demand for inquiry by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the removal of all those responsible for procedural lapses that led to the death of Dr Chandra Shekhar, who ended his life by hanging himself in the Psychology Department on September 7, soon after his suspension over charges of sexual harassment against him by a JU scholar.
Enraged over JUTA allegation that procedural lapses by JU administration and Committee Against Sexual Harassment (CASH) led to suicide by Dr Chandra, Prof Alka Sharma stood up in the meeting and furiously announced her resignation as Chairperson of CASH as well as primary membership of the Teachers Association. Accusing JUTA of playing politics over the issue, she announced to dissociate herself from the Association.
According to a press statement, JUTA reiterated that its believes in “Zero tolerance against sexual harassment” and anyone who indulges in such activities must be punished, however only after following the duly set procedure of JUICCASH.
“However, as the university administration has not conceded to any of the demands of the association, the house decided to continue with pen-down strike for three more days failing which the association will go on a chain hunger strike,” said JUTA President Pankaj Shrivastva.
Meanwhile, Jammu University SC, ST Employees Association has extended its support to JUTA over the demand for job security to the deceased professor’s wife & removal of officials who were allegedly involved in this matter.
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