Azim Premji University says 20 people vandalised campus, caused ruckus; probe ordered
Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) staged a demonstration against the University, alleging that an event at the institution promoted separatism and the cessation of Jammu and Kashmir and insulted the Indian Army, as reported by PTI.
“Today around 6 pm, a group of 20 people forced their way into our campus in Bangalore,” a statement accessed by ANI said. It was said. “They shouted slogans, damaged some property, attacked several security guards and our students.”
ABVP activists chanted slogans and smeared the university’s signboard with black ink, claiming that the event was part of a larger agenda to “divide” India and Kashmir.
The university immediately reported the incident to the local police station in Sarjapura, Bangalore. The police took action quickly and detained the people.
They alleged that a program run on the campus by the All India Students Association (AISA)-backed organization Spark was anti-Indian and promoted anti-national sentiments. They also claimed that the organization maintains that Jammu and Kashmir is not a part of India.
University officials claimed that the people broke into the campus and were protesting an event they claimed was going to be held on campus. “Azim Premji University has not permitted any event of this nature. The university follows strict procedures before any event is held on campus,” an official statement said. The official statement stated, “This event, which was allegedly planned by a small group of students, never took place,” and strongly condemned the mayhem and violence initiated by this outside group on the campus of Azim Premji University.
The poster of the program shared by the agitators showed that it was related to the Kunan-Poshpora incident, which reportedly took place on February 23. The poster read: “Kunan-Poshpora saw one of the most horrific incidents of alleged gang rape on the intervening night of February 23-24, 1991.” Protesters also claimed they were detained and assaulted on campus when they objected to the event.
“Even after 35 years, there has not been a single conviction. Despite constant pressure to close the case, the victims are still waging an unequal fight for justice. This is just one of the countless cases of violence inflicted on the people of Kashmir,” wrote Spark, a student organization, on the poster.
In a post on X, the Bengaluru Rural Police said that the protesters were detained as a precaution and all necessary measures were taken to ensure maintenance of law and order. The investigation into the matter continues.
ABVP activists demanded an immediate ban on AISA and its affiliates and an investigation against students and leaders who organize such events on the university campus.
