Digital News Guru New Delhi Desk:
Violent Clashes at JNU Campus
Late on Sunday night into early Monday morning, a protest at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) escalated into violent clashes between rival student groups, leaving several students injured and the campus tense. Both sides — the Left-affiliated Jawaharlal Nehru University Students’ Union (JNUSU) and the right-aligned Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) — have accused each other of instigating the violence.
According to reports, the incident occurred around 1:30 AM, when clashes during a protest spiral turned into stone-pelting, scuffles, and alleged assaults, involving groups from both ideological spectra. Videos circulating on social media show chaotic scenes of panic, fear and students trying to escape as the confrontation unfolded.
What Sparked the Protest
The confrontation reportedly began as part of an ongoing protest against Vice-Chancellor Santishree Dhulipudi Pandit, with students demanding her resignation over controversial remarks and administrative grievances. The march, dubbed “Samta Juloos” (Equality March), was planned to move toward the East Gate of campus.
Both student unions had been mobilising around separate grievances — including disagreements over recent equity regulations and disciplinary actions — creating a charged and adversarial atmosphere on campus even before the violence broke out.
Competing Narratives from Student Groups
- JNUSU and Left-backed organisations have alleged that ABVP members attacked their marshals, pelted stones, and targeted students near the encampment, causing severe injuries to some, including a claim that students were beaten while in study zones.
- ABVP leaders, on the other hand, accused Left-affiliated students of initiating the confrontation and staging aggressive attacks, including alleged assaults with objects and threats to other students across academic blocks.
In one claim circulated by ABVP, members spoke of groups of 300–400 masked individuals roaming campus and forcing students out of study areas, though these numbers have not been independently verified.
Injuries and Campus Impact
Multiple students were reported injured in the scuffle, with some requiring medical attention. While there hasn’t been an official count released by the university or police yet, eyewitness accounts and student union statements confirm at least several injuries sustained during the night.
Amid the violence, some parts of the campus reportedly became tense and chaotic, with students and faculty expressing concern over safety and the risk of further escalation.
Administration Reaction
The JNU administration has condemned the violence and signalled that it will take strict action against any unruly behaviour under university rules and relevant legal provisions. Officials noted that some academic buildings were reportedly locked during the unrest, and concerns were raised about intimidation of students unwilling to participate.
The administration reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining a safe academic environment and warned that disciplinary measures — including those under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) — would be invoked against those responsible for violence or disrupting campus life.
Ongoing Tensions on Campus
This latest clash at JNU is part of a broader pattern of political tension on the university campus, where ideological divisions — particularly between Left-leaning student groups and right-aligned bodies like ABVP — have often led to heated confrontations, protests, and friction with administration policies.
Student organisations on all sides have reiterated their demands and accusations, and calls for police intervention and administrative review are intensifying. With no unified account yet from authorities or law enforcement, the full details of who initiated the conflict remain disputed.
What’s Next
- Delhi Police are expected to review complaints from both sides and consider potential legal action based on evidence and statements.
- University authorities have reiterated their stance that academic sessions will continue as scheduled while investigations proceed.
- Student unions are planning further demonstrations and campaigns in response to both the violence and the underlying issues that sparked the protest.
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