To avoid outsiders from barging into the English and Foreign Languages University (EFLU) in the city and to provide better security for the students, the university administration has installed cameras at the administration block and at the entrance gates of the campus. Plans are also underway to do the same at crucial and vulnerable points in the university, informed, Syed Sayeed, Nodal Officer, EFLU.
He added that for now, only five to six cameras have been installed in the university, including near the staff chambers.
The nodal officer pointed out that two days ago some foreign students from Osmania University barged into the university to attend a cultural event happening on campus. Though security personnel tried to stop them, the students managed to get through and were seen teasing students of EFLU. The incident seems to have only strengthened the administration’s resolve.
Regarding their future plans to install security cameras at other places of the university like the library and “secluded” places, Syed Sayeed clarified that it is only to deter mischievous activities of outsiders and hold them accountable, thus avoiding confusion over catching intruders. He however stressed that this wasn’t to “monitor students” and their activities on campus. The idea, he said, was to make students of the university to feel secure.
While the administration seems to be thinking of various security concerns, students on campus feel that the cameras are being installed to target politically active students. They reason, if it were just for security reasons, cameras are sufficient at just entry/exit points.
“If the step was being taken to deter outsiders, then cameras at the university gate are enough. Cameras at other places on campus will create a jail atmosphere and stifle a liberal democratic space for discussions,” expressed a student on the condition of anonymity.