JNU Violence: Education Ministry Seeks Report on Ram Navami Unrest on Campus

Two days after violence erupted at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) on the occasion of Ram Navami, the Union Ministry of Education on Tuesday, 12 April, sought a report from the university's administration over the unrest that had broken out at the campus.

(Photo Courtesy: JNU)

Two days after violence erupted at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) on the occasion of Ram Navami, the Union Ministry of Education on Tuesday, 12 April, sought a report from the university's administration over the unrest that had broken out at the campus.

“As per standard procedures, a formal report has been sought about the clash between the student groups on the occasion of Ram Navami and the unrest on campus,” a ministry official was quoted as saying by news agency PTI.

At least 16 students were injured at JNU on Sunday evening, after clashes between students, allegedly over the serving of non-vegetarian food on Ram Navami.

The JNU administration had said in a statement on Monday that it would "not tolerate" any violence on campus.

"The vice chancellor conveyed that no violence will not be tolerated on campus and appealed the students to maintain peace and harmony... Security has been instructed to be vigilant in preventing such incidents and submit a report immediately to the JNU administration," the university had said in a statement.

What Happened in JNU on Ram Navami?

The JNU Students' Association (JNUSU) had blamed the ABVP for "forcing and attacking the mess committee to change the dinner menu and exclude the usual non-vegetarian items in it for all students." On the other hand, the ABVP had accused 'leftists' of creating a ruckus and obstructing a Ram Navami pooja celebration.

"ABVP goons have created a violent atmosphere in Kaveri hostel today. They are forcing and attacking the mess committee to change the dinner menu and exclude the usual non-vegetarian items in it for all students. The menu has food items for both vegetarian and non-vegetarian students who can consume it based on their personal choice."

JNUSU

"The auspicious occasion of Ram Navami, residents of Kaveri Hostel, JNU had organised a pooja to celebrate the event. This event was supposed to be joined by a large number of common students of JNU. It is also noteworthy that Ramzan is being celebrated in the hostel very peacefully and simultaneously. This pooja was supposed to start at 3.30, but due to the ruckus created by leftists it could only start at 5.00 PM."

ABVP

The Delhi Police has filed an FIR against unknown ABVP students under Indian Penal Code (IPC) Sections 323 (Punishment for voluntarily causing hurt), 341 (Punishment for wrongful restraint), 509 (Whoever, intending to insult the modesty of any woman) 506 (Punishment for criminal intimidation), 34 (Acts done by several persons in furtherance of common intention) a probe is on to evidence and identify culprits.

Another FIR was later filed on the complaint of ABVP. Further investigation is underway to collect more evidence and identify the culprits, as per the police.