Violence in JNU, students, staff attacked

-HRD ministry seeks report from JNU registrar over violence on campus

-We strongly condemn the brutality unleashed against students/teachers in JNU: Mamata

-Violence a reflection of fe’ that fascists in control of our nation have of students: Rahul

– How will the country progress if our students will not be safe inside univ campus: Kejri

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New Delhi, January 5

Violence broke out at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) on Sunday night as masked men armed with sticks attacked students and teachers and damaged property on the campus, prompting the administration to call in the police. At least 18 persons were injured and admitted to AIIMS. Students’ Union president Aishe Ghosh suffered a head injury.

The Left-controlled JNUSU and the ABVP blamed each other for the violence that continued for nearly two hours. As chaos prevailed, JNU registrar Pramod Kumar issued a statement: “This is an urgent message for the entire JNU community that there is a law and order situation on the campus…. The JNU administration has called the police to maintain order. This is the moment to remain calm and be on the alert…. Efforts are already being made to tackle the miscreants.”

The violence occurred while a public meeting by JNU Teachers’ Association was under way.

The students’ union alleged that its members were injured in stone-pelting by ABVP members. But the RSS-backed students’ organisation alleged that its members were brutally attacked by Left-affiliated student outfits and 25 of them were injured.

The JNUSU claimed that “ABVP members wearing masks were moving around on the campus with lathis, rods and hammers. They are pelting bricks…getting into hostels and beating up students. Several teachers and students have also been beaten up.” The ABVP blamed Left student organisations SFI, AISA and DSF.

The opposition Congress and AAP alleged it was an attempt to muzzle the voice of JNU students.

A large section of JNU students have been taking part in the protests against the amended Citizenship Act in the national capital. The university was earlier embroiled in a major row over alleged anti-national slogans raised by some students in February 2016.

Delhi Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal condemned Sunday’s violence and said the situation was being “closely monitored”. “The violence in JNU against students and teachers is highly condemnable. Directed @DelhiPolice to take all possible steps in coordination with JNU Administration to maintain law and order & take action against the perpetrators of violence. The situation is being closely monitored,” he tweeted.

The Congress alleged that the attack on JNU students by masked miscreants was “state-sponsored mayhem”.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said, “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.” Delhi Chief Minister and AAP convener Arvind Kejriwal tweeted, “I am so shocked to know about the violence at JNU. Students attacked brutally. Police should immediately stop violence and restore peace. How will the country progress if our students will not be safe inside univ campus (sic)?” PTI