Nepali Congress leader Pradeep Gyawali has strongly criticized the decision to ban the activities and presence of student organizations within universities, calling it an extreme undemocratic measure. Gyawali interpreted the plan to establish a security unit inside the university as an intervention undermining academic autonomy. He emphasized that dialogue and constructive collaboration are necessary to address the weaknesses in student movements and stated that prohibition will not solve the problem. Kathmandu, April 20.
Gyawali shared his views on Monday via Facebook, labeling efforts to strip the Free Student Union (FSU) of its rights as a severe undemocratic move. He vocally opposed preparations to set up a security unit within the university, describing this as a direct interference with academic autonomy. He also questioned how university vice-chancellors could authorize such a dangerous decision, pointing out that even during the Panchayat autocracy, the government failed to enforce such measures.
Stating “dialogue and transformation are necessary, not prohibition,” Gyawali acknowledged existing weaknesses within the student movement. He said the student movement should act as a catalyst for protecting general student interests, enhancing educational quality, and building a positive environment, but sometimes it loses focus on the core issues. However, he clarified that using these weaknesses as grounds to ban student organizations does not address the underlying problems.
“The solution lies in dialogue with them, creative collaboration, and transforming the student movement for quality education,” Gyawali wrote. Expressing concern that efforts aim to erase the existence of student movements rather than improve them, he posed a rhetorical question to the government: “If a shadow falls on your hair, should you quietly cut it off?”
