Traditional Festivities Marred by Political Violence
A festive atmosphere at JNU’s Durga Puja pandal turned chaotic around 7:00 p.m. when clashes broke out between left-wing and right-wing student groups, resulting in injuries to several students, including women who were present at the venue.
The violence reportedly began when members associated with left-wing organizations such as AISA, SFI, and DSF hurled stones and slippers into the pandal where Durga Puja was underway.Sources indicate thst ABVP-organized Ravan Dahan event held earlier at the Barack Hostel. where effigies of Ravan were burnt with the faces of Umar Khalid and other left-associated identities, which was perceived by left-leaning students as a targeted provocation.
According to witnesses, the burning of these effigies, depicting individuals the organizers labeled as “terrorists”, led to swift retaliation.Shortly after the effigy burning, left-aligned students mobilized and marched toward the Sabarmati ground, the site of the Durga Puja procession.
Verbal altercations quickly escalated into physical violence, with stones and other projectiles being thrown by both sides, creating panic among attendees and disrupting the religious observance. Multiple students, including women, sustained injuries and required medical attention.Campus security and police were called to restore order, and authorities have appealed to all student bodies to maintain peace.
The incident has drawn widespread condemnation from various student organizations and university officials, who have called for a transparent investigation and stringent action against those responsible.
This violent turn during a major cultural festival reflects ongoing tensions and deep-seated political divisions at JNU, and campus observers warn it could have long-term repercussions for student harmony and freedom of expression at the university.