Two student groups clashed at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), in Delhi, over Ram Navami celebrations on Sunday, injuring at least sixteen people. 

Both the JNU students union (JNUSU) and the right-wing Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) took out protests, blaming the other side for the violence. 

Akhtarista Ansari, a JNUSU student suffered a head injury during the clash with ABVP and claimed to have been attacked by the RSS-affiliated student wing while having dinner at the Kaveri Hostel mess. NDTV reported her saying, “We never stopped any Ram Navmi pooja as ABVP claims”, with Ansari further alleging “They also attacked the mess vendor who had come to supply chicken”.

While both sides have blamed each other for throwing stones and injuring students, the JNUSU said that ABVP members prevented students from eating non-vegetarian food in the hostel mess, creating a violent atmosphere. 

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The police have already tightened security at the university, to ensure peace and prevent such untoward incidents from taking place. Authorities have also reported that ABVP wishes to file a complaint and police are ready to take appropriate action once they receive the same. 

Earlier on Monday morning, the police received a complaint from various student organizations against unnamed members of the ABVP. 

Meanwhile, JNU Wing President, Rohit Kumar alleged a conspiracy behind the clash, pointing fingers at JNUSU. Kumar continued that JNUSU students were against the Ram Navami rituals and attacked, while they were being performed. As per Kumar, the right-wing student organization didn’t attack anyone for eating non-vegetarian, since people are free to eat what they want. 

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Today, the JNU administration warned students against getting involved in incidents that would disrupt the harmony and peace on campus. A statement from the JNU authorities read, “The Vice-Chancellor conveyed that no violence will be tolerated on campus”. 

The teachers too condemned the events with a statement saying “The safety of students and the staff who work for the university has to be fully ensured”.