Yet another shocking incident is coming from the country’s capital where student clashes have been reported. Several Masked mobs entered Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) campus and attacked students and faculty with sticks and stones.
Dozens of masked men
According to a source, around dozens of masked men carrying sticks and stones attacked Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) on Sunday evening and went about assaulting teachers, students and vandalizing hostels, leaving many injured.
No “clash” – this is masked men – who attacked JNU for what it is and what it stands for. RSS, BJP Ministers, unable to argue with the BJP came with faces covered and lathis in hand – the police just stood by and watched pic.twitter.com/54Stz5ADxU
— Seema Chishti (@seemay) January 5, 2020
Soon after the attack, violence broke out between two groups of students, both blaming each other for the attack by the masked men.
The JNU administration called in the police soon after the attack and asked students to stay peaceful and cooperate with the police.
It has come to Ministry's notice that a group of masked people entered the JNU campus today, threw stones, damaged property and attacked students. This is very unfortunate and highly condemnable, such acts of violence and anarchy will not be tolerated.
— Ministry of HRD (@HRDMinistry) January 5, 2020
Delhi police statement
Delhi police sources stated that the first round of fights and clashes happened at noon on Sunday between students — from the Left and the right-wing. Nevertheless, the violence heightened and stretched out of control after 5 pm when “strangers” entered the campus and attacked students and faculty members inside the campus.
The Student Union president Aishe Ghosh, who was wounded in the clash, was rushed to the nearby hospital. She said that she was “mercilessly beaten up” by “goons wearing masks”.
Cruel…horrific…..scary..images from JNU are very https://t.co/ohVZ80hOls should be condemned in no uncertain https://t.co/sP87ojBhXs democracy should allow colleges and universities to be so unsafe that goons can enter at will at any time to hurt and intimidate. pic.twitter.com/UXHYtaiERz
— manoj bajpayee (@BajpayeeManoj) January 6, 2020
Over two dozen students, and Sucharita Sen, a professor were injured in the violence. The ABVP alleges that its presidential candidate Manish Jangid was also injured badly and may have sustained a fractured hand.
Delhi: A student of Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) seen today leaving the campus after a violence broke out yesterday evening, says,"People came from outside, armed with sticks and rods. Situation is grim in the University. So, I am leaving the campus for now." pic.twitter.com/cX4I1IEldS
— ANI (@ANI) January 6, 2020
“Efforts are being made to identify them. This will be done after recording statements of those injured, private guards, faculty members and others. A group of violent protesters not only entered the hostel and attack students, faculty members but also damaged campus properties and cars,” Delhi Police sources said.
While the police were trying to control the situation, a crowd gathered outside the JNU gates chanting patriotic slogans near riot police.
JNU students greet Delhi Police inside campus with Faiz Ahmed Faiz's 'Hum Dekhenge'. A company of police officers are marching back to the gate, rest headed inside the university. @newslaundry pic.twitter.com/Mz8vSSe4uw
— Ayush Tiwari (@sighyush) January 5, 2020
Political intervene
Meantime, various political leaders have shown concerns over the brazen attacks on students in a premier university like the JNU.
Have seen pictures of what is happening in #JNU. Condemn the violence unequivocally. This is completely against the tradition and culture of the university.
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) January 5, 2020
In solidarity with the brave students of JNU
This cruel attack is meant to ‘punish’ JNU students because they dared to stand up
It’s so bad that even Union Ministers are tweeting helplessly. Modi Sarkar must answer why cops are siding with goons https://t.co/H0kRQyy6a8
— Asaduddin Owaisi (@asadowaisi) January 5, 2020
The attack on students & faculty of JNU is an appalling display of intolerance running amok. The scale of the attack reveals the extent of planning. Sangh Parivar must end this diabolical plan to silence universities with bloodshed. Remember, those students are speaking for all. pic.twitter.com/xKPngu3W1n
— Pinarayi Vijayan (@vijayanpinarayi) January 6, 2020
Union Minister Giriraj Singh on #JNUViolence: Left students are defaming Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), they have turned the University into a centre of hooliganism. pic.twitter.com/AmjPiEnB3r
— ANI (@ANI) January 6, 2020
Union Minister Smriti Irani on #JNUViolence: Investigation has begun,so will not be right to speak on it now, but Universities should not be turned into hubs of politics, neither should students be used as political pawns. pic.twitter.com/Gor1mONKuM
— ANI (@ANI) January 6, 2020
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.
— Nirmala Sitharaman (@nsitharaman) January 5, 2020
