A violent confrontation reportedly erupted between two student groups at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) during a Visarjan Shobha Yatra procession held for Vijayadashami, following the university’s nine-day Navratri celebrations.

The incident took place after the JNU Students’ Union (JNUSU), which includes members affiliated with various political sides, organised a symbolic ‘Ravan Dahan’ event at Sabarmati.

Effigies and photos of individuals reportedly associated with Naxal ideologies, such as Afzal Guru, Umar Khalid, Sharjeel Imam, G. Sai Baba, and Charu Majumdar were set ablaze as part of what organisers described as a rejection of “Naxal-like forces”.

Competing Claims and Alleged Provocations

JNUSU Joint Secretary Vaibhav Meena reportedly stated the event was symbolic and aimed at denouncing extremism, but Left-affiliated student groups strongly criticised the act. These groups alleged the effigy burning specifically targeted former students and political activists, some of whom remain incarcerated and whose legal cases are ongoing.

Activists accused the organisers of exploiting religious symbolism to allegedly foster communal tension and spread Islamophobia. During the procession, alleged disruptions occurred, including hurling of shoes and slippers, which reportedly left several students injured.

ABVP members claimed the Left groups obstructed the religious procession, calling their actions an affront to campus traditions and student faith. Conversely, Left student leaders argued that their protest was peaceful, stating that slogans and actions from the procession were provocative and intended to incite conflict.

JNUSU President Nitish Kumar, reportedly linked to Left student factions, denied allegations of attacking any idol or religious tradition and highlighted the portrayal of activists in a negative light as the primary source of unrest.

Broader Context and University Response

The incident follows JNU’s history of ideological clashes, reflecting wider national debates over religious, political, and activist identities. University officials have not immediately commented, but both sides have signalled their intent to file police complaints with allegations and counter-allegations of violence and provocation.

These events were preceded by posters and online campaigns in the hours before the clash, further escalating tensions on campus. The ABVP labelled the episode a “direct attack on festive tradition” while Left groups called it a deliberate attempt to weaponise religion against student activists.

The Logical Indian’s Perspective

Violent confrontations over symbolic rituals highlight the vital importance of peaceful dialogue and respect for diverse opinions in academic spaces. While protests and celebrations are an integral part of student life, the escalation into violence only serves to entrench divisions and hinder constructive engagement.

The Logical Indian advocates for campus harmony, encouraging transparency, direct communication, and empathy between all parties.