Protest – Tensions Escalate During JNU March to Education Ministry
Protest – A protest march by students of Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) in the national capital led to clashes with security personnel on Thursday, with the Delhi Police alleging that several officers were injured during the confrontation.
Police Allege Assault and Damage to Property
According to a statement issued by the Delhi Police, the demonstration turned confrontational after students attempted to move beyond designated areas. Officials claimed that some protestors damaged barricades and engaged in physical altercations with personnel deployed at the site.
Police authorities said that objects such as banners and sticks were hurled during the protest, and some officers were allegedly pushed and bitten in the scuffle. Several members of the force sustained injuries, the statement added. Law enforcement personnel eventually stopped the march at the North Gate of the campus and began moving the crowd back inside university premises.
Those identified as engaging in violence or refusing to follow lawful instructions were detained, police confirmed. Further information regarding the incident is expected to be released following review of reports from the ground.
March Held Despite Lack of Permission
The protest was organised by the Jawaharlal Nehru University Students’ Union (JNUSU), which had called for a “Long March” from the campus to the Ministry of Education. However, police said the university administration had not granted permission for a march outside the campus boundaries.
Despite being advised to limit the demonstration to university grounds, a large group of students assembled near the main gate. Officials estimated that between 400 and 500 students participated in the gathering. At approximately 3:20 pm, the group moved beyond the main entrance, prompting intervention by the police.
Authorities stated that repeated discussions were held with student representatives, urging them to confine their protest within the campus. When the march proceeded onto public roads, security personnel acted to contain the situation, citing concerns over law and order.
Students’ Union Alleges Excessive Force
In response, JNUSU strongly criticised the police action, accusing authorities of using force against students who were marching peacefully toward the Ministry of Education. The student body said the protest aimed to press for the implementation of the Rohith Act and to demand the resignation of Vice-Chancellor Santishree D Pandit.
The union alleged that police and paramilitary personnel secured the university’s main gate with chains and layered barricades as students approached. According to the students’ statement, more than 50 individuals were detained and taken to various locations.
JNUSU further claimed that several students sustained injuries during the confrontation and that some were not provided immediate medical assistance. These allegations have not yet been independently verified.
Background to the Ongoing Dispute
The latest developments follow earlier tensions on campus involving protests against Vice-Chancellor Santishree D Pandit. Student groups have been raising concerns over administrative decisions and policy matters for several weeks.
On the day of the march, police presence around the university had been increased in anticipation of large-scale participation. After the gates were secured and protestors attempted to push past barricades, a brief scuffle ensued, leading to detentions.
Officials have not confirmed the exact number of those currently in custody, though they reiterated that action was taken against individuals who allegedly breached public order regulations. Meanwhile, student leaders have called for the immediate release of detained peers and demanded an inquiry into the handling of the protest.
The situation remained tense but under control by late evening, with additional security deployed in and around the campus. Authorities said they are reviewing footage and reports before providing further updates.