JNU cancels auditorium booking for Umar Khalid book discussion

Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) administration has cancelled the booking of the School of Social Sciences-I (SSS-I) auditorium for a discussion on the book "Fractured Communities: Adivasi Histories and the Politics of Power," authored by former student and activist Umar Khalid. The event was scheduled for August 10 to mark the International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples.

The university cited the "non-disclosure of the full facts about the programme" as the reason for the cancellation, alleging that the organizers failed to provide complete details in the venue request form. In response, the Jawaharlal Nehru University Students' Union (JNUSU) condemned the decision as "arbitrary" and "authoritarian," accusing the administration of attempting to suppress academic freedom and dissent. The union also alleged a double standard, noting that other campus events had been permitted.

Despite the cancellation of the official venue, the JNUSU announced that the discussion will proceed as planned at an alternative location, such as outside the SSS-II building. The scheduled speakers include Professor Prabhu Mohapatra, Professor Uma Chakravarti, Shuddhabrata Sengupta, Harsh Mander, and Banojyotsana Lahiri.