New Delhi: A protest by students at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) turned violent on Thursday after demonstrators attempted to take out a march from the campus to the ministry of education.
According to reports, the JNU Students’ Union (JNUSU) had called for a long march to the ministry. The university administration and police had informed the students that march would not be permitted and had urged them to protest within the campus premises.
400-500 students clash with police
At around 3.20 pm, around 400–500 students reportedly gathered at the main gate and moved outside the campus, leading to a scuffle with cops.
Police said clashes broke out when they tried to stop the protesters. Barricades were allegedly damaged during the scuffle, and police personnel were attacked. Sticks, banners and other objects were thrown at policemen, according to multiple reports. Several Delhi Police personnel suffered injuries and were taken to hospital for treatment.
Over 40 students detained by cops
Over 40 students were also detained in connection with the incident.
Meanwhile, some JNU professors came in support of the protesting students. They demanded the release of the detained students. The cops told them that those detained had not provided proper identification details.
The professors also urged the police that a smaller delegation of students be allowed to visit the ministry on Friday.