- A tense atmosphere enveloped in JNU in Delhi as clashes broke out between members of the ABVP and Left-backed groups, resulting in three students sustaining injuries.
- The altercation, which occurred on Thursday night, originated from disagreements over the selection of election committee members at the School of Languages.
- According to reports, the situation quickly escalated from verbal disputes to physical violence, with some students requiring admission to Safdarjung Hospital for treatment.
- In response to the incident, Vice-Chancellor Santi Shree D Pandit pledged to take strict action against those responsible, regardless of their political affiliations.
- , AISA accused ABVP of targeting Muslim students and creating a hostile environment by resorting to sexist and casteist slurs.
- On the other hand, ABVP JNU President refuted these allegations, asserting that Left-leaning students attempted to manipulate the election process during the GBM.
A tense atmosphere enveloped Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) in Delhi as clashes broke out between members of the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) and Left-backed groups, resulting in three students sustaining injuries. The altercation, which occurred on Thursday night, originated from disagreements over the selection of election committee members at the School of Languages.
According to reports, the situation quickly escalated from verbal disputes to physical violence, with some students requiring admission to Safdarjung Hospital for treatment. A video clip depicting a man wielding a stick and attacking students circulated widely on social media platforms, shedding light on the intensity of the confrontation.
In response to the incident, Vice-Chancellor Santi Shree D Pandit pledged to take strict action against those responsible, regardless of their political affiliations. Both ABVP and Left-backed groups have lodged police complaints against each other, underscoring the gravity of the clash.
The All-India Students’ Association (AISA) attributed the violence to ABVP members alleging that they initiated physical aggression after their attempts to disrupt the selection process were thwarted. Furthermore, AISA accused ABVP of targeting Muslim students and creating a hostile environment by resorting to sexist and casteist slurs.
On the other hand, ABVP JNU President Umesh Chandra Ajmeera refuted these allegations, asserting that Left-leaning students attempted to manipulate the election process during the General Body Meeting (GBM). Ajmeera claimed that objections were raised, leading to a suspension of the proceedings for several hours.
The clash at JNU underscores deeper tensions within the university campus, with both ABVP and Left-backed groups accusing each other of malpractice and violence. The situation not only threatens the safety of students but also undermines the democratic processes within the academic institution.
Furthermore, the ABVP denounced what they termed as “open rigging” in the counting of votes and criticized the imposition of self-made rules, likening it to an autocratic system akin to a Politburo.
As investigations into the incident proceed, the JNU administration faces mounting pressure to ensure the safety of students and uphold the principles of free and fair elections. The clash serves as a stark reminder of the challenges posed by political polarization within educational institutions and the urgent need for dialogue and reconciliation to foster a peaceful academic environment.
(With inputs from agencies)
