Tension flares as ABVP march meets police resistance in Dharamsala

A protest march organised by the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) turned tense on Wednesday when a scuffle erupted between student activists and the police near Tapovan in Dharamsala. The confrontation broke out as the protesters attempted to march towards the Himachal Pradesh Vidhan Sabha, prompting police intervention.

According to ABVP leaders, more than 10 students were injured in the incident, with several women activists alleging that they were pushed, kicked and forcibly restrained. The organisation condemned the use of force, claiming the episode reflects the government’s unwillingness to engage with young people on critical issues surrounding education and employment.

The police, however, said the situation was more complex than the ABVP claimed. Kangra SP Ashok Rattan told The Tribune that video footage of the entire incident is being examined and that several policemen were also hurt. He added that any action taken would strictly follow legal procedure.

Earlier in the day, a large number of ABVP supporters had gathered at Zorawar Stadium, only a short distance from the Assembly. The march formed part of a statewide mobilisation pressing for the fulfilment of the organisation’s 11 demands. ABVP state general secretary Nancy Atal said the group would continue to challenge what she described as an “oppressive” government, both inside and outside the Assembly. She warned that if their demands remain unaddressed, the coming two years would be particularly challenging for the administration.

A major point of contention is the long-pending construction of the Central University’s Dharamsala campus. ABVP leaders criticised the government for failing to release the required Rs 30 crore, arguing that the delay underscores a casual approach to higher education. They also expressed dissatisfaction with the slow implementation of the New Education Policy and highlighted the deteriorating infrastructure at key universities, including Himachal Pradesh University in Shimla and Sardar Patel University in Mandi.

The organisation further objected to the government’s decision to convert 100 state schools to the CBSE pattern, calling it a blow to the autonomy of the Himachal Pradesh Board of School Education. Alleging that promises of five lakh jobs have not materialised, ABVP leaders also raised concerns about unchecked drug networks and declining law and order in the state.