JNU campus tense after late-night protest march turns violent

Clashes broke out at Jawaharlal Nehru University in the early hours of Feb 23 as rival student groups traded allegations of violence following a protest march.

Students said the confrontation occurred around 1:30 am after a scuffle escalated into alleged stone pelting, leaving several individuals injured. The unrest followed a march organized by the Jawaharlal Nehru University Students’ Union.

In a statement, the JNUSU said it had called for a “Samta Juloos” toward the East Gate, demanding the resignation of Vice-Chancellor Santishree Dhulipudi Pandit and the withdrawal of a rustication order.

Protesters alleged that the university administration did not engage with the march and instead allowed members of the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad to confront them.

The ABVP denied the accusations and countered that left-affiliated groups instigated the clashes and circulated misleading claims about the episode.

Left-backed organizations, including the All India Students’ Association, alleged that ABVP activists hurled stones at the JNUSU encampment and attacked “unarmed students,” resulting in injuries.

Videos shared by students on social media appeared to show chaotic scenes near the protest site, with rival groups facing off amid confusion and panic.

University authorities did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Students said tensions persisted on campus following the incident.