JNUSU Alleges Police Brutality During Campus Protest
In a tense confrontation at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), the JNU Students’ Union (JNUSU) has accused Delhi Police of using excessive force during a student protest, while the police claim their personnel were manhandled by protestors. The incident, which occurred on Tuesday evening, has sparked widespread outrage and reignited debates about the use of force against demonstrators.
What Led to the Protest?
The protest was organized by JNUSU to demand the release of student activists arrested during earlier demonstrations and to highlight concerns over alleged administrative mismanagement. According to JNUSU President Aishe Ghosh, the peaceful protest turned violent when police entered the campus and forcibly dispersed the crowd.
“The police beat up students mercilessly, using lathis and even targeting female students who were sitting peacefully. This is an attack on dissent in a democracy,” Ghosh stated in a press conference. She added that several students sustained injuries and were denied medical attention.
Eyewitness Accounts and Viral Videos
Eyewitnesses supported Ghosh’s claims, stating that police entered the campus without warning and used aggressive tactics to break up the protest. Videos on social media show chaotic scenes of students being pushed, dragged, and beaten by police, with some visibly injured.
Police’s Counterclaim
The Delhi Police, however, denied allegations of brutality, stating that their actions were in response to provocation by protestors. They claimed the students violated Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code, which prohibits gatherings of more than four people, and allegedly manhandled police personnel.
“The protestors were not following the law, and our personnel acted in self-defense to restore peace,” a senior police officer said. The police also cited complaints from university staff about the protest disrupting campus activities.
Political and Public Reactions
The incident has drawn condemnation from opposition leaders, human rights groups, and student bodies. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi called it “an assault on democracy,” while the All India Students’ Association (AISA) announced nationwide protests against “state-sponsored violence.”
Supporters of the police argue that the students disrupted public order and that the force used was justified. Some also pointed to past instances of violence during JNU protests as evidence of escalating tensions.
JNU Administration’s Response
The JNU administration issued a brief statement urging all parties to maintain peace and avoid violence. The university’s staff association called for an impartial inquiry to determine the facts and hold those responsible accountable.
A History of Activism at JNU
This incident is the latest in a series of clashes at JNU, a university known for its political activism. Past protests have addressed issues ranging from fee hikes to opposition to government policies.
The Broader Debate
The confrontation has reignited discussions about the balance between the right to protest and the need to maintain public order. While students demand justice and accountability, the police emphasize adherence to the law.
What’s Next?
JNUSU has vowed to continue protesting until their demands are met and has called for nationwide solidarity. With tensions high, further developments are expected in this contentious issue.
As the nation watches, the focus remains on finding a resolution that upholds both democratic values and the rule of law.
