Violent Clash Erupts at JNU Over Student Union Polls; ABVP and Left-backed Groups Accuse Each Other
Three Injured in Late-Night Brawl as Election Committee Dispute Turns Violent at Jawaharlal Nehru University
New Delhi, March 1, 2024: A chaotic confrontation unfolded at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) on Thursday night, resulting in injuries to three students during clashes between members of the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) and Left-backed student groups. The incident occurred during a general body meeting for the upcoming students’ union polls, with videos circulating online depicting the mayhem inside the university campus.
The altercation originated from a dispute over the selection of election committee members at the School of Languages. Students from both factions engaged in physical altercations, as seen in the videos. One disturbing clip shows a student bleeding from his head, while another captures an individual hurling a bicycle at a group of students. Some injured students were reportedly admitted to Safdarjung Hospital, according to a JNU official.
As of now, the university administration has not released an official statement on the incident. Both student groups involved, however, have traded blame for the clashes. The police, on the other hand, state that no complaints have been filed in connection with the incident.
The Left-affiliated Democratic Students’ Federation (DSF) and All India Students Association (AISA) accused ABVP members of disrupting the meeting. They claimed that casteist and sexist slurs were used to threaten students and even alleged heckling of security guards.
In response, AISA issued a statement demanding accountability, stating, ” The act of vandalism and violence perpetrated by individuals affiliated with the ABVP must be acknowledged by the VC office. The faces of those involved are clearly visible in the videos circulating online. It is suggested that these perpetrators be held accountable and subject to appropriate legal actions for their involvement in unleashing such unprecedented violence.”The clash highlights the escalating tensions within JNU ahead of the student union polls, raising concerns about the need for prompt and decisive action to maintain a peaceful academic environment.
