Support for BHU’s Muslim professor Firoze Khan, appointed to teach Sanskrit, has poured in from Kashi’s RSS Unit.
“The Sangh is of the opinion that opposing Dr Firoz Khan is wrong. The Sangh has a clear and firm view that opposing a person appointed by the due selection process and is dedicated and devoted to Sanskrit Literature, goes against the law and social harmony,” said Jayprakash Lal, Vibhag Sanghchalak, RSS Kashi.
Students who are protesting haven’t taken this too well.
Students Continue to Oppose Khan’s Appointment
The deadlock is far from over.
Speaking to The Quint from BHU, Shubham Tiwari, who is at the forefront of the ongoing protests, first clarified that the fight of the students who oppose Khan’s appointment continues to be very strong. “Aaj hum nein ek dharam sabha rakhi hai BHU ke main gate par aur use ooper hum nein ek rudraabhishek bhi kiya hai bhagwan Bholenaat ka.” (We conducted a big religious meeting at the main gate of BHU as well as a rudraabhishek of goddess Shiva.)
Thus, the protests prevail. “There were about 150 people present during the protests today,” Chakrapani Ojha, another protester said.
Referring to RSS’ members statement, he said, “I have a message for them. First of all, a RSS Unit never speaks to the media. So, this should have not happened as it never does. I have been a RSS member myself. Secondly, they have not understood our concern. If they did, they would be on our side and protest with us. I can guarantee.”
Amid the ongoing protests, Khan waits patiently as his family frets over his safety.
Khan Insists He’ll Teach
Although the students, as of 22 November, are not sitting outside the Vice Chancellor’s office in protest any longer, they continue to oppose Khan’s appointment.
Khan, who was formally appointed on 7 November, is yet to teach class. Despite the protests, his determination to teach hasn’t faltered.
Speaking to The Quint from an undisclosed location, he said he is keeping an eye on the developments and is willing to teach his students. “Of course I want to go to BHU and start my classes. I was appointed weeks ago on 7 November.”
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