Pune: Students at the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) Pune continued their protest for the second day on Friday. The protesters have submitted three immediate demands to the administration, including a written assurance that no action will be taken against those participating in the demonstration.The students said these assurances are necessary before they can begin negotiations regarding their broader demands, which include revocation of the general secretary’s suspension, strengthening of mental health support, rollback of gender-based segregation, and restoration of common spaces. They maintained that the protest would continue until the institute responds to their immediate requirements and agrees to engage on larger issues.The students’ three primary demands aim to ensure that meetings with the administration go beyond tokenism and result in tangible change. “We have asked for a written assurance from the director that IISER Pune students participating in or organising peaceful sit-ins, demonstrations, or other communications will face no disciplinary or departmental actions. This assurance must be communicated to the entire IISER community via email,” a student said.“If this is granted, we have requested an open meeting with the director or another decision-making authority empowered to take immediate action. Finally, to ensure transparency and accountability, we want permission to video-record that meeting.”“Classes and quizzes are still taking place. Some students are attending classes and then returning to the protest site. Others are boycotting entirely, while some mark their attendance but do not stay for the lecture,” a student said. “Several professors have come to speak with us to understand our concerns. While some individuals support our cause, there is no official support from the faculty as of yet. This morning, the dean and associate dean of student activities, along with the chairperson of the hostel committee, spoke with us. However, until they agree to our terms, we are not ready for talks.”In a statement to the media, IISER Pune clarified that there is no connection between the death of a student in Aug and the suspension of the general secretary following an incident in May. The institute stated that the prescribed disciplinary procedures were followed and that the appellate authority had already reduced the student’s punishment.As per hostel rules, male students are prohibited from entering female students’ rooms and residential facilities, and vice versa. After some female residents raised safety concerns, the implementation of these rules has been made stricter. However, common areas on the ground floor of all hostels remain accessible to all students, the statement read.The statement added that while students have the right to express their views through peaceful protests with prior permission, the institute will not take action against the ongoing sit-in. “The institute authorities are working to engage with the student community to address their concerns,” it noted.
