Hindu students demand temple on JnU campus

Hindu students at Jagannath University (JnU) held a protest today, demanding a temple on the campus.

The procession began around noon from the university's Shaheed Minar and moved through different campus roads before ending at Shanto Chattar with a brief rally.

Protesting students said although the university is nearing two decades of establishment, there is still no permanent temple on campus. They said they have to go outside to perform religious rituals, which they described as "inconvenient and unsafe".

"At this university, there is a mosque, but no designated space for our religious practices. We have placed this demand several times, but the administration has taken no steps," said student Atoshi Halder.

Another student, Anik Das, alleged that the administration is showing discriminating behaviour. "There is a mosque but no temple for Hindu students. We are being deprived of our religious rights. If our demand is not met, we will go for a tougher movement," he said.

Student Upama Mandal said, "Students of all religions study here. We have repeatedly approached the authorities, but they have not responded positively."

The protesters also claimed that the university authorities recently denied permission to hold Kali Puja on the campus, citing security concerns.

Regarding the students' demands, Vice Chancellor Prof Rezaul Karim said, "The students have submitted a memorandum. It is not possible to comment on the matter immediately. However, we will discuss the issue and look into it."