JNU cancels three seminars by diplomats of Lebanon, Palestine and Iran

(From left) – Iran’s Ambassador Dr Iraj Elahi, Lebanese Ambassador Dr Rabie Narsh, Palestine’s Ambassador Adnan Abu Al-Haija

New Delhi – Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) cancelled three seminars that were set to feature addresses by the Iranian, Palestinian, and Lebanese ambassadors to India. Jawaharlal Nehru University’s Centre for West Asian Studies recently cancelled three seminars focused on the ongoing conflict in West Asia, citing “unavoidable circumstances”.

Hours before Dr Iraj Elahi, the Iranian ambassador to India, was scheduled to speak on “How Iran views recent developments in West Asia,” students received an email from seminar coordinator Sima Baidya announcing the cancellation of the event.

It also announced the cancellation of a seminar on 7th November with Palestinian Ambassador Adnan Abu Al-Haija regarding Palestine, as well as a 14th November session with Lebanese Ambassador Dr Rabie Narsh that focused on Lebanon, Indian Express reported.

Quoting sources the report added, the university made the decision to cancel the events without offering any specific explanation. It said that University insiders indicated that concerns over potential protests prompted the cancellations.

Editorial Perspective

Basically, why were the seminars of these countries’ ambassador organised ? Currently two of these countries are at war and the third country is on the verge of war. Why is it not realized that if such people get a public platform in India, it will have a different meaning on the world stage ?