Two groups of students clashed at the Kaveri hostel in Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) campus on Sunday reportedly over non vegetarian food being served on the occasion of Ram Navami.
The Jawaharlal Nehru University Students’ Union (JNUSU) alleged that the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) members stopped mess secretary from serving non-vegetarian food to students in hostel and “created a violent atmosphere”.
However, the ABVP denied the allegations saying that “‘Leftists” obstructed a puja programme organised in the hostel.
Both the sides have accused each other of pelting stones and injuring their members.
Speaking to PTI, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Southwest) Manoj C said that some students have sustained injuries.
“There is no violence as of now. A protest was held which is over. We are all positioned here with our team. On the request of the university, we have come here. We are trying to maintain peace,” Manoj said, adding that details of the incident will be shared later.
The JNUSU also alleged that the ABVP, used “muscle power and goondaism” to create a ruckus, manhandling the staff and asking them not to prepare any non-vegetarian items.
In a statement, the student body said, “They were forcing and attacking the mess committee to change the dinner menu and exclude the usual non-vegetarian items in it for all students.”
“JNU and its hostels are meant to be inclusive spaces for all and not one particular section,” they added.
The right wing outfit, however, rejected the JNUSU’s allegations, saying “Some common students had organised a pooja and havan programme on the auspicious occasion of Ram Navami at 3:30 PM at Kaveri hostel.”
“This pooja was joined by a large number of common students of JNU. The Leftists came to object, obstruct and prevent the pooja from happening. They have created a false ruckus on the issue of ‘Right to Food’ (Non-Vegetarian Food),” they said.
(With inputs from PTI)
