Hours after masked mob unleashed violence on students and teachers of Jawaharlal Nehru University on Sunday, thousands of students across the country rose in protest against the violence.
Students from different colleges in Mumbai gathered outside Gateway of India to protest against the violence in JNU, raising slogans and demanding that the central government take strict action against the assailants. While students at the Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) took out a candlelight march in solidarity with the students and faculty members of JNU.
Protesters also gathered outside the police headquarters at Delhi’s ITO junction against the violence.
Violence broke out at JNU on Sunday as masked goons armed with sticks attacked students and teachers and damaged property on the campus.
Several students were injured, including JNU Students’ Union president Aishe Ghosh.
Jawaharlal Nehru University Teachers’ Federation (JNUTF) expressed concerned about the environment of fear and brutality created by some violent agitating students. They condemned such violent act by the agitators.
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman condemned the violence in JNU.
“Horrifying images from JNU — the place I know & remember was one for fierce debates & opinions but never violence. I unequivocally condemn the events of today. This govt, regardless of what has been said the past few weeks, wants universities to be safe spaces for all students,” Sitharaman said.
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal expressed shocked over the incident.
“I am so shocked to know abt the violence at JNU. Students attacked brutally. Police shud immediately stop violence and restore peace. How will the country progress if our students will not be safe inside univ campus?,” Kejriwal tweeted.
“Spoke to Hon’ble LG and urged him to direct police to restore order. He has assured that he is closely monitoring the situation and taking all necessary steps,” he added.
According to the sources, the university student’s union alleged that the RSS-backed Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) was behind the attack.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi in a tweet said, “The brutal attack on JNU students & teachers by masked thugs, that has left many seriously injured, is shocking. The fascists in control of our nation, are afraid of the voices of our brave students. Today’s violence in JNU is a reflection of that fear.”
Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra met injured students at AIIMS. She said, “Wounded students at AIIMS trauma centre told me that goons entered the campus and attacked them with sticks and other weapons. Many had broken limbs and injuries on their heads. One student said the police kicked him several times on his head.”
She further said, “There is something deeply sickening about a government that allows and encourages such violence to be inflicted on their own children.”
Attacking Modi and Shah, Priyanka said, “India has an established global reputation as a liberal democracy. Now Modi-Shah’s goons are rampaging through our universities, spreading fear among our children, who should be preparing for a better future. To add insult to injury, BJP leaders are all over the media pretending that it wasn’t their goons who unleashed this violence. The people are not deceived.”
According to the HMO statement, “Union Home Minister has spoken to Delhi Police Commissioner over JNU violence and instructed him to take necessary action. The minister has also ordered an enquiry to be carried out by a Joint CP level officer and asked for a report to be submitted as soon as possible.”
