Violence broke out at JNU during a student march towards the Ministry of Education, leading to 14 arrests and injuries to police personnel. Students and authorities traded allegations over the escalation.
Tensions flared at Jawaharlal Nehru University late Thursday and into the early hours of Friday after a student-led march spiralled into clashes with police, resulting in multiple arrests and injuries. The confrontation has reignited debate over campus dissent, police action and the implementation of University Grants Commission (UGC) regulations.
Leaders among 14 arrested, police injured
According to the Delhi Police, 14 people have been arrested so far in connection with the violence linked to the Jawaharlal Nehru University Students’ Union (JNUSU) protests. Those detained include former JNUSU president Nitish Kumar, current president Aditi Mishra, vice-president Gopika Babu, and joint secretary Danish Ali.
Police said around 400 to 500 students gathered near the main gate at approximately 3:20 pm on Thursday, attempting a “Long March” to the Ministry of Education. Authorities maintained that permission for the march had been denied by the university administration. When protesters allegedly tried to breach barricades and move off the campus, clashes broke out. Officials alleged that demonstrators damaged barricades, hurled banners, sticks and shoes, and physically assaulted personnel. Around 25 police personnel, including senior officers, were reportedly injured.
Students allege excessive force
Students, however, accused the police of using excessive force. The JNUSU claimed that more than 50 students were detained and that some were taken to undisclosed locations without being provided medical assistance. The union also alleged that a portrait of B. R. Ambedkar was snatched during the police action.
An FIR has been registered at Vasant Kunj North police station under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including charges related to obstructing public servants, causing hurt and assault. Police stated that the protest escalated due to unlawful actions by participants.
Campus lockdown and administrative response
Later in the day, JNUSU announced a second march to the Vasant Kunj Police Station and called for a “complete lockdown” of the campus. The union reiterated its demands, including the vice-chancellor’s resignation, increased funding for public universities and implementation of equity-related UGC regulations.
The Jawaharlal Nehru University administration responded that the UGC regulations in question are currently under a Supreme Court stay and cannot be implemented. It accused protesting students of vandalism and attempting to deflect attention from earlier incidents of campus unrest.
Meanwhile, the Teachers’ Association expressed support for the students and condemned what it described as the “brutal use of force” by police.
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The JNU clashes have deepened divisions between students, the administration and law enforcement. With arrests made and demands escalating, the episode underscores the fragile balance between maintaining order and safeguarding the right to protest on university campuses.
