New Delhi: The Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) administration has said it is taking serious cognisance of late-night clashes on campus, warning of strict action against unruly behaviour following violent incidents that left several students injured.

Tensions erupted around 1:30 am on Monday during a protest by the Left-backed JNUSU, which called for a march, ‘Samta Juloos’, demanding the resignation of Vice-Chancellor Santishree Dhulipudi Pandit and revocation of a rustication order. The march escalated into violence, with both the Left student groups and the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) accusing each other of stone-pelting and attacks on students.

A statement issued by the JNU registrar said several academic buildings were reportedly locked by protesting students, who allegedly entered the central library and intimidated peers into joining the demonstration. The administration confirmed that a scuffle ensued between student groups and emphasised that classes and campus activities are continuing as scheduled.

The ABVP, a right-wing student body, alleged that Left-backed groups attacked students studying in the reading rooms. Vikas Patel, ABVP state secretary, claimed that “many students were locked in bathrooms” and that masked individuals carrying sticks and stones instigated the violence.

The JNUSU protesters alleged that the administration did not engage with them adequately and allowed ABVP members to confront the demonstrators, further intensifying the tensions.

The JNU administration reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining a safe academic environment and warned that strict action will be taken under university rules and the BNS regulations against anyone engaging in violent or disruptive behaviour.

PTI