Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi
New Delhi, Feb 27: Several police personnel and students were injured after clashes erupted during a march led by the Jawaharlal Nehru University Students’ Union (JNUSU) at the campus gate on Thursday, with both sides accusing each other of assault. Police said an FIR has been registered in connection with the incident.
According to police, around 400–500 students gathered on the campus of Jawaharlal Nehru University for a “Long March” to the Ministry of Education as part of ongoing protests over issues including UGC regulations, rustication of JNUSU office-bearers and alleged remarks by Vice Chancellor Santishree Dhulipudi Pandit.
At around 3.20 pm, protesters moved out through the main gate and attempted to proceed towards the ministry. Police stopped them at the North Gate and pushed them back inside the campus.
“Barricades placed outside the campus were damaged as the situation escalated. The protesters pelted banners and sticks, threw shoes and resorted to physical assault. Some police personnel were bitten during the scuffle, resulting in injuries to several officers deployed at the spot,” a senior police officer said.
Police claimed that around 25 personnel were injured, including ACP Ved Prakash, ACP Sanghamitra, SHO Atul Tyagi and SHO Ajai Yadav.
An FIR was registered at Vasant Kunj North police station under BNS sections 221, 121(1), 132 and 3(5), alleging obstruction and assault on public servants.
“We have detained some of the protestors. Some protestors are levelling allegations that police manhandled them which are completely baseless. Every single officer deputed there was maintaining law and order,” the officer added.
Police said JNUSU president Aditi Mishra and former president Nitish Kumar were among the 51 protesters detained.
Students, however, alleged that excessive force was used against them and claimed several protesters, including women, were injured. The JNU Teachers Association condemned what it described as “brutal use of force” and expressed concern that some detained students were taken to “unconfirmed locations”.
The JNUSU also alleged that a portrait of B. R. Ambedkar was damaged during the police action. Videos of the clash circulated online, though the authenticity of the footage could not be independently verified.
In a statement, the university administration said students had been informed that no permission was granted for protests outside the campus and were advised to restrict demonstrations within university premises.
“JNUSU protestors are demanding UGC regulations to be implemented. This is in violation of the Honorable Supreme Court which issued a stay on the regulations. JNU Vice Chancellor or Registrar have no powers over the regulations,” the statement said.
It added that students rusticated following a proctorial inquiry for alleged vandalism and violence were responsible for the unrest.
Security has since been tightened inside and outside the campus following the clashes.