Jadavpur University's 8 PM Campus Curfew Faces Partial Implementation as Students Evade Security Patrols
In Kolkata, Jadavpur University's recently imposed ban on campus gatherings after 8 PM encountered only partial enforcement on Tuesday night, just a day after the rule was announced. While security personnel patrolled the premises during the designated "curfew" hours, groups of students and outsiders managed to linger by dodging the guards, highlighting challenges in the policy's execution.
New Security Measures and Their Limited Impact
The university authorities issued a circular on Monday, prohibiting gatherings at key locations such as canteens, the area opposite Subarna Jayanti Bhavan, and the university ground after 8 PM. This action followed a recent altercation between student groups that resulted in injuries to two professors. The circular warned of legal consequences for violators and mandated ID card checks for anyone entering the campus between 7 PM and 7 AM.
Typically, security at JU involves eight ex-servicemen and 25 guards on duty from 2 PM to 10 PM, with six ex-servicemen and 15 guards covering the shift from 10 PM to 6 AM. However, during a visit by TOI between 8 PM and 11 PM on Tuesday, it was observed that guards in khaki uniforms stationed at gates did not consistently stop individuals, including bikers, from entering or exiting the campus.
Students Engage in Hide-and-Seek with Security
Around 8:30 PM, some students were found sitting on the university ground. As 9 PM approached, security guards dispersed them, but the groups quickly returned to their spots once the patrols moved on. Similarly, youngsters chatting at canteens and near Subarna Jayanti Bhavan scattered upon spotting guards from a distance, hiding in dark areas only to reemerge about 500 meters away after the patrols passed.
Between 10 PM and 11 PM, motorcycles continued to enter and exit the campus without being halted at the gates. At approximately 10:35 PM, a guard at Gate 4 did stop a white car to question the driver, but such interventions were rare. Despite these violations, some noted that the nightly turnout was thinner compared to before the circular was issued.
Authorities and Stakeholders Respond to Enforcement Challenges
A JU employee residing on campus commented, "But violations did take place," underscoring the ongoing issues. A security guard explained, "Ex-servicemen are posted at the gates. We patrol the campus and try to disperse the gatherings. The response was positive after the circular was issued. But it's not possible to entirely stop them from gathering after 8 PM."
JU Registrar Selim Box Mandal emphasized stricter enforcement, stating, "I told security personnel to implement the rules strictly. If any student refuses to comply, the guards are told to submit their names and departments to the registrar's office. We may contact their parents, if need be." A professor added that students also bear responsibility, noting, "They must know their limits."
This situation reflects broader tensions in campus security and student autonomy, as Jadavpur University navigates balancing safety with the traditional culture of nighttime gatherings.
