Mob attack on Sanjay Kumar "part of trend" to target teachers for taking social, political positions

By A Representative
In a strongly-worded condemnation, 178 sociologists, social scientists and concerned individuals across the world have said that the brutal mob assault on August 17, 2018, on sociologist Sanjay Kumar at Mahatma Gandhi Central University, Motihari, Bihar is part of the "particular trend of mob violence directed at dissenting voices in various university/college campuses of late has become ‘normal’."

Nandini Sundar

The statement, distributed by well-known sociologist-activist Nandini Sundar, professor of sociology, Delhi School of Economics, through the People's Media Advocacy and Resource Centre (PMARC), says, "Teachers have been targeted and abused on account of their political opinions and social position. In particular, because of the nature of the social sciences where we engage with contemporary society, social scientists have come under attack."
Quoting media reports, the statement says, "Complicity of the office of the Vice-Chancellor, M G Central University, Motihari, in the macabre attack on Sanjay Kumar cannot be ruled out", demanding "effective intervention of the Government of Bihar to probe the dastardly act and provide all necessary legal and medical help to the victim." It The appeals to "university teachers, students and citizens at large" to ensure "the safety and civility of our campuses and ensure there is space for open discussion."
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Click HERE for the list of signatories

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