Violence broke out in Jawaharlal Nehru University when a bunch of over 50 goons stormed inside the University campus and thrashed several students as well as teachers on Sunday evening. It was 6.30PM when the masked thugs went on rampage inside the University.
An extremely distressing video emerged on the social media, which showed that a bunch of masked men led by another masked woman threatened and abused the students before the clash broke out. The goons also stormed inside the hostels, pelted stones, vandalized property and beaten up number of students mercilessly. More than 25 students and teachers were wounded, including JNU Students Union president Aishe Ghosh. The injured were shifted to AIIMS Trauma Centre and discharged on Monday morning.
While some students, who were injured in the attack, blamed the Bharatiya Janata party’s student wing, ABVP (Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad) for the violence; The ABVP blamed the left-affiliated students for the same. They alleged that the left-affiliated students had shutdown the server room of JNU causing internet blockage. Sources say that doctors who tried entering the campus to provide first-aid to the students were also targeted and ambulances were stopped at the gate.
The official twitter handle of ABVP said, “Left goons had shutdown the server room of JNU causing internet blockage so as to ensure no student could register for the new semester. It is very clear who is responsible for the violence and brutal attacks on students in JNU.”
Left goons had shutdown the server room of JNU causing internet blockage so as to ensure no student could register for the new semester. It is very clear who is responsible for the violence and brutal attacks on students in JNU. #LeftAttacksJNU https://t.co/sEKKQmU2J1
— ABVP (@ABVPVoice) January 5, 2020
A panel has been formed, which includes 2 ACPs, 4 inspectors and eight sub inspectors to probe the incident. The Delhi Police filed an FIR and also met the students and recorded their statements on the same. The cops are also inspecting Whatsapp group chats in which the attack was planned and discussed. Registrar and Pro-VC of JNU already met LG Anil Baijal and apprised him of the situation.
Followed by the violence at JNU, massive protests broke out across the country. Students of various universities have been staging protests, to show their solidarity with the JNU students who were attacked by mobs. Students of Jadavpur University have been protesting in Kolkata, students from multiple colleges gathered at Gateway of India to stage protests, FTII students were also seen staging protests in Pune.
Leaders across political spectrum condemned the attack in the University. While Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi blamed the BJP for the violence, others demanded strong action against the miscreants and swift justice for the students and teachers who were targeted.
Here are some of the reactions of the political leaders:
Union Home Minister has spoken to Delhi Police Commissioner over JNU violence and instructed him to take necessary action. Hon’ble minister has also ordered an enquiry to be carried out by a Joint CP level officer and asked for a report to be submitted as soon as possible.
— गृहमंत्री कार्यालय, HMO India (@HMOIndia) January 5, 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 (Modi Ka Parivar) (@nsitharaman) January 5, 2020
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
India has an established global reputation as a liberal democracy. Now Modi-Shah’s goons are rampaging through our universities, spreading fear among our children, who should be preparing for a better future..1/2
— Priyanka Gandhi Vadra (@priyankagandhi) January 5, 2020
मोदी जी और अमित शाह जी की आख़िर देश के युवाओं और छात्रों से क्या दुश्मनी है?
कभी फ़ीस वृधि के नाम पर युवाओं की पिटाई, कभी सविंधान पर हमले का विरोध हो तो छात्रों की पिटाई।
आज जवाहर लाल नेहरू में हिंसा का नंगा नाच हो रहा है और वो भी सरकारी संरक्षण में!
हमारा वक्तव्य- pic.twitter.com/igv9ALaI9K
— Randeep Singh Surjewala (@rssurjewala) January 5, 2020
Shocked to see visuals of masked miscreants attacking JNU students inside the campus.
DMK condemns rising incidents of violence against students within universities in the aftermath of #CAA2019
All those who are responsible for these incidents must brought to book immediately. https://t.co/FihTdwkLEM
— M.K.Stalin (@mkstalin) January 5, 2020
The violence and brutality faced by students, while protesting, is worrisome. Be it Jamia, be it JNU. Students mustn’t face brutal force!
Let them be!
These goons must face action. They must be brought to time bound and swift justice.— Aaditya Thackeray (@AUThackeray) January 5, 2020
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 (Modi Ka Parivar) (@DrSJaishankar) January 5, 2020
On the other hand, Aam Aadmi party’s Yogendra Yadav also claimed to be targeted by ‘right wing’ students when he visited the campus.
I was attacked by a mob (that included a JNU Professor Mishra, Dept of Sanskrit) in the presence of police and media.
Minor injury. I am safe. Staying put outside the north gate of JNU while goon attack continues inside the campus under police protection. https://t.co/976PbPJ9tf— Yogendra Yadav (@_YogendraYadav) January 5, 2020