Tensions escalated at Jawaharlal Nehru University on Thursday as a student protest resulted in clashes with police, leading to the detention of 51 students and reported injuries on both sides.
JNU Protests Erupt Over UGC Regulations, Vice-Chancellor Resignation
The unrest began when the Jawaharlal Nehru University Students’ Union (JNUSU) organized a march towards the Ministry of Education, advocating for the implementation of University Grants Commission (UGC) regulations, the proposed Rohith Act, and the resignation of Vice-Chancellor Santishree D Pandit. Delhi Police responded by erecting barricades and securing the main gate, deploying a significant security presence to prevent the students from proceeding.
Police allege that protesters engaged in violent behavior, including throwing sticks and shoes and physically assaulting officers. An FIR has been registered against the students. Approximately 25 police personnel were injured, including ACP Ved Prakash, ACP Sanghamitra, SHO Atul Tyagi, and SHO Ajai Yadav. Some officers reported being bitten during the altercation, according to officials.
JNUSU president Aditi Mishra and former president Nitish Kumar were among those detained. Police stated the students were stopped as they attempted to march towards the Ministry without authorization.
Students, however, claim excessive force was used. JNUSU reported “more than 50 students” were detained and taken to “undisclosed locations.” The union also alleged that injured students were denied medical attention and that a portrait of B R Ambedkar was damaged during the police action. Videos circulating online appear to show the photograph of Ambedkar being taken amid the chaos.
Following the detentions, JNUSU called for a “complete lockdown” of the campus and announced a second march from the JNU Main Gate to Vasant Kunj Police Station. The union urged students to “intensify the struggle” and gather in large numbers.
The university administration condemned the protest, accusing JNUSU members of “vandalism and violence against campus property.” The university noted that the students were demanding UGC regulations that are currently subject to a stay by the Supreme Court, and that the Vice-Chancellor and Registrar have no authority over these rules.
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