Agartala, Tripura – The Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) has called for the immediate suspension of Augustine Zimik, an Assistant Professor at Tripura University, accusing him of engaging in religious conversion activities in association with the Union of Evangelical Students of India (UESI).
In a press release, ABVP condemned Zimik’s actions, alleging that he has been involved in activities contrary to university norms and secular principles. The statement highlighted an event on August 3, 2024, named ‘TU-EU Fellowship,’ where Zimik, using the alias ‘Bro Augustine,’ allegedly tried to convert students to Christianity. This event reportedly took place without the necessary permissions from university authorities.
The ABVP claimed that Zimik falsely claimed approval from the Vice-Chancellor, who later denied giving any such consent. The organization accused Zimik of misusing university platforms for a year to advance his religious agenda, causing discomfort among students and undermining the institution’s commitment to a secular environment.
“His continued involvement with UESI, which focuses on religious conversion, is unacceptable,” the press release stated. It also alleged that Zimik has been covertly expanding his influence over three years, using university resources like the ‘Open Theatre’ for conversion-centric activities.
The ABVP demanded Zimik’s immediate suspension and urged the university administration to conduct a comprehensive investigation into his actions. They stressed the need for decisive action to maintain the integrity and secular nature of the campus environment.
The organization called on the Vice-Chancellor and other authorities to address the situation promptly, emphasizing that the matter is about more than just procedural breaches—it’s about ensuring a respectful and inclusive atmosphere for all students.