New Delhi: Several students were injured in a violent clash between two student groups at Jawaharlal Nehru University late last night. Left-wing organizations and ABVP have accused each other of inciting violence, while the university administration has warned of strict action against those spreading indiscipline on the campus.
The ongoing protest against the Vice Chancellor (VC) turned violent at around 1:30 am on Monday, after which tension spread on the campus. It is worth noting that the JNU Students' Union, which is supported by Left-wing organizations, had called for a 'Samta Jalous' towards the East Gate on Sunday night. The students were demanding the resignation of Vice Chancellor Shantishree Dhulipudi Pandit and the cancellation of the order of expulsion (rustication) of a student.
The protesting students alleged that the administration gave vent to the ABVP members instead of talking to them. On the other hand, the right-wing student body has accused the Left of instigating the violence. It is worth mentioning that the statement made by the VC during an interview that "communities cannot progress by being permanent victims or playing the victim card" had sparked a controversy. JNUSU has termed these comments as 'casteist' and 'insensitive' towards the backward communities.
The university administration has issued an official statement saying that the incident has been taken seriously. According to the administration, the protesting students had locked several academic buildings and forcibly intimidated students studying in the library to join the protest, which led to the clash.
The university has made it clear that action will be taken against the culprits as per the Indian Penal Code and university rules.
On the other hand, JNUSU has announced a 'long march' to the Education Ministry on February 26 and reiterated its demand for the resignation of the Vice Chancellor.