ABVP, Left members clash hours after JNUSU poll results

Ananya Panda

Tribune news Service

New Delhi, September 17

Fresh violence involving members of the RSS' student wing Akhil Bahartiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) and Left-backed All India Students' Association (AISA) erupted early morning on Monday hours after the results of the Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) Students' Union elections were declared.

Both the sides accused each other of "assaulting their activists" and later lodged cross complaints at the area's Vasant Kunj police station. Once the news of attacks and counter violence broke entry of the media was banned during the day. 

In the wake of several episodes of violence since Saturday, the JNU administration issued a ban on rallies and processions on campus even as the JNU Teachers' Association carried out a "Save JNU" peaceful march, which saw a huge participation by faculty members as well as general students. The Left has decided not to carry out the customary victory procession given the prevailing situation, as confirmed by former JNUSU vice president Simone Zoya Khan. 

The newly elected JNUSU president N Sai Balaji said the ABVP "randomly attacked students" early in the morning and he was allegedly assaulted by right wing students.

The AISA alleged that a former student was "almost lynched" outside Sutlej hostel whereas the ABVP, on its part, claimed its several activists were attacked by students associated with the Left and in the clashes many were badly injured.

"I was called to the scene at Sutlej Hostel. As elected JNUSU president, I went to ensure Pawan Meena's (AISA activist) safety who was attacked by ABVP students with sticks. Upon reaching, what I saw was mayhem. The mob led by Saurabh Sharma (former JNUSU joint secretary from ABVP) were attacking students with sticks," claimed Balaji.

Balaji also alleged that the rival party openly threatened him, former JNUSU president Geeta and some others of "dire consequences" if they intervened to stop the violence. Later Balaji was allegedly beaten up while he was in a PCR van before he lodged a complaint against the ABVP members at the area's police station.

While Balaji accompanied by some teachers was inside the police station local members of the right wing group were learnt to have gathered outside there. Alleging that "open threats to eliminate Balaji" were given, the AISA members mobilised students with later the JNU student council president-elect being escorted by the police and teachers back to the campus.

The Sangh-backed students had a different version, levelling similar allegations of attack over its members."Students affiliated to ABVP were attacked by the criminals hiding as champions of Communist ideology. Around 15-20 Left workers, including non-students, were attacked in a targeted manner. They were led by Geeta Kumari and her friend Ankit Singh. They entered Sujal Yadav's room, punched him and hit him with sticks. The left party workers had already fractured his hand yesterday. He has been attacked for the second time in 30 hours," said Monika Chaudhary, ABVP national media convener.

"Left organisations are turning more and more aggressive and violent. In the present circumstances, the safety of the students, especially of those who are affiliated with ABVP, is in grave danger," read a statement issued by her.

The police said complaints have been received at Vasant Kunj police station and legal action is being taken based on merit. "After a call a PCR call around 3 am the police rushed and held a meeting with the administration and students. The situation is under control now and police arrangements are in place," said the police.

JNUTA takes out peaceful protest march

The JNU Teachers' Association (JNUTA) in the evening took out a peaceful protest march on the campus against the instances of hooliganism the varsity has witnessed over the last two days.

In the wake of the clashes that unfolded since Saturday early morning the JNU administration condemned the violence and cautioned all at the campus to remain "vigilant and refrain from organising or participating in any public rallies or marches".

In an appeal, varsity Registrar Prof Pramod told students faculty and staff that some miscreants had pelted stones at the warden's flat and a few others tried to break open the door of another warden's flat.

"There are apprehensions of disruption of peace on the campus, if such events are held. Due to the prevailing situation on the campus any form of procession, demonstration, rallies, etc are not allowed on the campus until further notice," read another notice issued by the registrar.

After the JNUSU results the student parties along with the winning panel usually carry out a celebratory march on the campus.

On Sunday the Left coalition (AISA, SFI, DSF and AISF) defeated the right wing ABVP in all the four central panel posts, besides walking away with at least 15 councillor seats which form a part of the varsity's student council.