Amidst the pro-Palestinian protests erupting at universities across the United States, Bharat’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has emphasized the importance of striking a balance between freedom of expression and responsibility.
The MEA spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal, highlighted that democratic nations are judged by their actions at home rather than their statements abroad.
Jaiswal stated, “In every democracy, there has to be the right balance between freedom of expression, a sense of responsibility, and public safety and order.” He also highlighted that democracies should understand and respect each other’s viewpoints, emphasizing the significance of actions within their own borders.
Regarding concerns about Bharatiya students studying in US universities amidst the protests, the MEA assured that they are in constant communication with Indian students. They affirmed their commitment to addressing any issues that arise for Indian students in the US.
Escalation of tensions in universities like Columbia University are grappling with the unrest caused by pro-Palestinian protests.
Demands from protesters include cutting ties with Israeli academic institutions and complete divestment from entities linked to Israel due to the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict.
At Columbia University, negotiations between university officials and protesters regarding the clearance of encampments have been described as “unstable.” Talks have been extended, but the outcome remains uncertain.
Similar protests have been reported at other universities, including the University of Texas in Austin and the University of Southern California, resulting in multiple arrests.
Meanwhile, the California State Polytechnic University, Humboldt campus, remains closed as protesters, including non-students, occupy buildings. School officials express concerns over safety hazards and property damage, intending to keep the campus closed for an extended period.
Responding to the protests, US House of Representatives Speaker Mike Johnson called for the resignation of Columbia University’s president. Johnson emphasized the need for order on campus, stating that if the university president cannot restore calm, she should resign. However, student opinions on this matter vary, with some expressing willingness to continue working with her.
The situation continues to evolve, with uncertainty surrounding the resolution of protests and the response from university administrations.
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