Late-night clashes on the Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) campus on Monday left several students injured. University administration has issued a warning of strict action against unruly behavior.
Campus Violence Erupts
Tensions escalated around 1:30 AM on Monday . A protest reportedly turned violent. Both the Left-led JNU Students’ Union (JNUSU) and the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) accused each other. They claim the other group initiated violence and stone-pelting.
The JNU administration stated its commitment to safeguarding the academic environment. It warned of strict action under university rules and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). The administration cited reports of protesting students locking academic buildings. Protesters allegedly entered the central library. They reportedly threatened students unwilling to join the protest.
This led to a scuffle between student groups. The JNU administration is taking these incidents very seriously. It urged all stakeholders to maintain peace. Classes and other academic activities continue as scheduled.
Accusations and Demands
The ABVP, a right-wing student body, alleged that Left-backed groups attacked students. These students were reportedly studying in reading rooms. ABVP state secretary Vikas Patel claimed masked individuals with sticks and stones caused the violence. He also alleged that students were locked in bathrooms. Left-backed students demanded the closure of reading rooms, Patel stated.
The JNUSU had organized a protest march, ‘Samta Juloos’, on Sunday night. The march was planned to the East Gate of the campus. Protesters demanded the resignation of Vice Chancellor Santishree Dhulipudi Pandit. They also demanded the revocation of a rustication order. JNUSU alleged the administration did not engage with them. Instead, the administration allowed ABVP members to confront protesters.