The Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) has demanded action after slogans reading “Free Umar Khalid” and “Long Live Naxalbari” were reportedly found on the walls of Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) in New Delhi on Saturday, 24 October. The student organisation also alleged that objectionable writing appeared alongside a portrait of Hindutva ideologue VD Savarkar. The JNU administration has taken note of the matter and said it is being examined. The incident comes amid a separate controversy over political slogans at Jamia Millia Islamia, intensifying debate over freedom of expression, campus politics and the protection of public property.
ABVP Demands Identification Of Those Responsible
The JNU unit of ABVP, a student organisation associated with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), objected to the graffiti and accused Left-wing student groups of disrupting the university’s academic environment. It urged the administration to investigate the incident, identify those responsible and take appropriate action.
In a statement shared on social media, ABVP JNU said freedom of expression must be accompanied by responsibility and respect for public property and differing viewpoints. The organisation maintained that universities should remain spaces for constructive debate rather than provocation and confrontation.
ABVP JNU president Mayank Panchal argued that freedom of expression could not justify disrespect towards national figures or damage to public property. Its unit secretary, Praveen Piyush, also stressed that the university did not belong to any single ideology and that its academic atmosphere needed to be protected. The allegations also included claims of objectionable writing alongside Savarkar’s portrait. However, the reported involvement of particular student groups remains an allegation and should not be treated as established fact.
JNU Administration Examines Graffiti
The JNU administration has acknowledged the incident and is examining the matter. A university official said the institution would not allow vested interests to disturb peace on campus, while university sources indicated that such graffiti would not be tolerated. As of 25 October, the identities of those responsible for the writings had not been publicly established, and the investigation’s outcome remained awaited.
Umar Khalid, a former JNU research scholar, has been in jail since September 2020 in connection with the alleged larger conspiracy behind the February 2020 Delhi riots, which claimed 53 lives. He faces charges under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). His prolonged incarceration and delays in the trial have drawn criticism from student groups and civil rights advocates. The slogan demanding his release reflects a continuing political and legal debate, but its appearance on campus does not establish who wrote it or their intentions.
Similar Controversy At Jamia Millia Islamia
The JNU incident follows a dispute at Jamia Millia Islamia, where slogans including “Free Kashmir” and “Free Sharjeel Imam” were reportedly found on campus walls on Friday, 23 October. The graffiti appeared amid protests by students demanding the restoration of the university’s students’ union, which has remained disbanded since 2006.
Tensions escalated at Jamia on Saturday following a confrontation between students and university staff. The university subsequently shifted classes online as a precautionary measure. Jamia Registrar Rizvi said a committee had been formed to draft a constitution for the students’ union, adding that elections could follow once the process was completed. He also strongly condemned the reported “Free Kashmir” graffiti. Some protesting students denied responsibility for the controversial posters and called for CCTV footage to be examined to identify those involved.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
University campuses must remain spaces where students can question authority, express political opinions and engage with difficult issues without fear or intimidation. At the same time, freedom of expression should be exercised responsibly, with respect for public property and the rights of others. Allegations of misconduct must be investigated impartially, and individuals or organisations should not be held responsible without credible evidence.
The administrations at JNU and Jamia must ensure transparency, protect peaceful dissent and prevent disagreements from escalating into hostility. Political differences are best addressed through dialogue, evidence and constitutional values rather than confrontation or speculation. How can universities protect freedom of expression while ensuring accountability and maintaining a respectful, inclusive campus environment?
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