JNU denies 'external pressure', says no seminar on West Asia cancelled, one postponed

JNU had to postpone seminar where Iranian Ambassador Iraj Elahi was scheduled to speak due to logistical and protocol reasons; Dean of the School of International Studies points to communication gap between the Center for West Asian Studies and the faculty

Asserting that it wants to provide a platform for balanced discussions, the Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) on Friday (October 25, 2024) said it has cancelled no seminar on the West Asian conflict but had to postpone one where Iranian Ambassador Iraj Elahi was scheduled to speak due to logistical and protocol reasons.

Amitabh Mattoo, the Dean of the School of International Studies (SIS), said the university plans to invite Mr. Elahi, who was supposed to addresses a seminar on the subject on Thursday (October 25, 2024) on a rescheduled date soon, likely next month.

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He said that invitations for two other events, on November 7 where Palestinian ambassador was supposed to speak and another one on November 14 when Lebanese ambassadors was to speak, were not sent through official channels so there is no question of cancelling them.

He said there was no "external pressure" behind the university's decision and they want to "maintain the integrity of our academic platforms".

His remarks come a day after seminar coordinator Sima Baidya informed students about the postponement of the Iranian ambassador's seminar and the cancellation of the two other events due to "unavoidable circumstances".

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Mr. Mattoo, however, said on Friday (October 25, 2024) none of the seminars has been cancelled. "The only seminar that was postponed is the one where the Iranian ambassador was scheduled to speak. That was due to a communication gap between the Center for West Asian Studies and the faculty," he told PTI.

According to Mr. Mattoo, the faculty member extended the invitation to the ambassadors without consulting the the Center for West Asian Studies, leading to logistical challenges.

"Given that a high-ranking dignitary, of ambassadorial status, is involved, it is important for us to ensure appropriate hospitality and uphold the dignity of his office," he added.

Asked about concerns over potential restrictions on discussions related to the West Asia conflict, Mr. Mattoo said, "Yes, there is a charged atmosphere globally, and there are intense discussions around West Asian issues. However, this does not mean we will restrict discussions. Our goal is to ensure a balanced representation of diverse views and to maintain the integrity of our academic platforms.

Published - October 25, 2024 06:37 pm IST