JNU: Seminar postponed due to logistics, protocol

Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) officials have clarified that the postponement of a seminar on the West Asian conflict, which was to feature Iranian Ambassador Iraj Elahi, is not a cancellation. The university faced backlash over the decision. Amitabh Mattoo, Dean of the School of International Studies (SIS), explained that the postponement was due to “logistical and protocol reasons”, assuring that a new date will be announced soon.

Mattoo emphasised the university’s commitment to providing a platform for balanced discussions and noted that invitations for two other planned events featuring the Palestinian and Lebanese ambassadors had not been sent through official channels, thus no formal cancellation occurred. He asserted that the decision was made without any “external pressure”.

However, the All India Students’ Association (AISA) condemned the postponement, accusing the JNU administration of suppressing vital diplomatic voices. AISA claimed, “This suppression of diplomatic voices representing nations at the forefront of anti-imperialist resistance exposes the complicity of the SIS administration in maintaining imperialist hegemony within academic spaces.”

The group criticised the administration for allegedly aligning with the Central government under Prime Minister Modi’s regime, describing the university’s actions as a “despicable and dastardly act” that reflects moral and intellectual bankruptcy.