Around 50 hooligans attacked students, teachers and damaged the property on the JNU campus on sunday night
The Home Minister of India – Amit Shah has spoken to Lieutenant Governor of Delhi – Anil Baijal today, i.e., Monday, January 6, 2020, asking him to call representatives from Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) for discussions over the Sunday night violence.
On Sunday night, a total of 50 masked men, armed with sticks and rods, attacked students, teachers and damaged the property on the campus. At least 28 people, including President of Jawaharlal Nehru University Students’ Union – Aishe Ghosh, were injured.
It is alleged that these intruders, belonged to Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), a right-wing all India student organisation affiliated to the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). Entering from back gate their targeted students inside Sabarmati Hostel and Koyna Hostel. The Administration had to call in Police which later conducted a flag march. The ruckus lasted for 2 hours at the campus.
Professor Atul Sood of JNU told media, “These were not small stones, these were big stones that could have broken our skulls. I fell on the side and when I got up, I saw cars completely vandalised, including my car.”
The videos of the ruckus at JNU has gone viral on social media. The videos show the campus in disarray, with broken glass and chairs flung about in some places. One of the videos shows the President of Students’ Union bleeding from a head wound. The injured students and teachers were rushed to the All Indian Institute for Medical Sciences (AIIMS) for treatment.
WATCH THE VIDEO OF JNUSU PRESIDENT HERE
As a security measure, large number of security personnel were deployed at JNU and only students with valid ID cards were allowed inside the campus.
At the same time, the JNU Proctor – Dhananjay Singh has appealed to the students to not to leave the campus and has also assured them that measures are being taken to normalise the situation.
Speaking on the occasion, Dhananjay singh said, “We appeal to students to not panic and leave the campus. Measures are being taken to normalise situation on the campus and ensure safety of everyone.”
Post Sunday midnight, students from various colleges in Mumbai took to the streets to condemn the JNU violence. The protest continued at Gateway of India in Mumbai on Monday. A group of students also held a candlelight vigil to show solidarity with the JNU students.
The latest attack has been condemned by people from all walks of life including Ministers, Bollywood celebrities and corporate world.
The Chief Minister of Delhi – Arvind Kejriwal tweeted, “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?”
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?
— Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) January 5, 2020
The Former President of Indian National Congress (INC) – Rahul Gandhi tweeted, “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.”
The brutal attack on JNU students & teachers by masked thugs, that has left many seriously injured, is shocking.
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) January 5, 2020
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.
#SOSJNU pic.twitter.com/kruTzbxJFJ
The Finance Minister of India – Nirmal Sitharaman tweeted, “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.”
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
The Chairman of Mahindra Group – Anand Mahindra said on twitter, “It doesn’t matter what your politics are. It doesn’t matter what your ideology is. It doesn’t matter what your faith is. If you’re an Indian, you cannot tolerate armed, lawless goons. Those who invaded JNU tonight must be traced & hunted down swiftly & given no quarter…”
It doesn't matter what your politics are. It doesn't matter what your ideology is. It doesn't matter what your faith is. If you're an Indian, you cannot tolerate armed, lawless goons. Those who invaded JNU tonight must be traced & hunted down swiftly & given no quarter…
— anand mahindra (@anandmahindra) January 5, 2020
Actor Swara Bhaskar who has been very vocal on the issue said, “It was not a clash! It was a pre-planned, brutal, one sided attack by masked alleged ABVP goons that was allowed (by Delhi police) to go on for 3 hours at least till Delhi Police finally stepped up to stop it due to media and citizen pressure..”
Meanwhile, Amit Shah has also called up the Commissioner of Delhi Police – Amulya Patnaik and has ordered an inquiry into the incident. The Delhi Police is now required to submit a report on the incident to the Home Ministry.
