JNU Vioilent Clash: Ruckus on the effigy of Omar Khalid and Sharjil on the effigy during Ravana combustion, collision between ABVP and Left Group

A violent clash took place during the ‘Visarjan Shobha Yatra’ held on 2 October at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) on the occasion of Vijayadashami. The clash was stemped by symbolic demonstrations performed by the student groups, each of which accused each other of provoking. According to JNUSU Joint Secretary Vaibhav Meena, the University Students Union organized a symbolic ‘Ravana Dahan’ on Sabarmati Dhaba to commemorate the Vijayadashami celebrations. During this ritual, effigies and posters of persons associated with Naxalite or leftist movements including Afzal Guru, Umar Khalid, Sharjil Imam, Ji Sai Baba and Charu Majumdar were burnt.

Meena said that the purpose of this act was to symbolize the “Naxal -like forces” in the campus. After the effigy burning, ‘Visarjan Shobha Yatra’ was taken out all over the campus with Durga statues and students. However, leftist student groups described the incident as extremely inflammatory. He accused the organizers of incorrectly presenting JNU alumni Umar Khalid and Sharjil Imam, who are known for their political activism. JNUSU President Nitish Kumar alleged that the problem started when online posters broadcast, including ‘Ravana Dahan’, including effigies of Khalid and Imam.

He said, they are not burning the effigy of Godse, but are trying to burn those who raise their voice for democracy and human rights. Left -wing student groups gathered at the Sabarmati Tea Point for their protests and accused the opposing faction of targeting activists advocating constitutional rights. Tension increased as the Durga immersion procession passed through the protest site. Meena claimed that members of the Left groups threw slippers and shoes at the students involved in the journey, injuring some. He said that the student union will file a complaint with the police regarding this incident.