New Delhi: Delhi University's North campus once again turned into a battleground on Monday as members of ABVP and DUSU organised a 'Tiranga March' even as members of students' groups protested at many places against the recent violence at Ramjas College.
The DUSU’s Tiranga March led by ABVP began at 12.30 pm on Monday from Ramjas College parking to the Faculty of Arts.
Delhi University Students Union’s Tiranga March led by ABVP underway at North Campus #RamjasCollege pic.twitter.com/CcpoOBvpK3
— ANI (@ANI_news) February 27, 2017
Levelling serious allegations against few AISA activists, one of the ABVP members on the condition of anonymity, told reporters, "During clashes at the Ramjas college, the AISA activists misbehaved with me and even tore my kurta."
Meanwhile, a huge posse of police personnel was deployed on the north campus in the wake of the situation prevailing since Wednesday.
Calling it a 'march for the country', one of the ABVP members told media that they will be protesting against Left-leaning student groups for allegedly backing those who are involved in anti-national activities.
Delhi University Students Union’s Tiranga March led by ABVP underway at North Campus #RamjasCollege pic.twitter.com/aUkNcTj65T
— ANI (@ANI_news) February 27, 2017
The development comes almost a week after the Ramjas College incident that shook Delhi University recently.
The Jawaharlal Nehru University students union (JNUSU) has called for a public meeting at the Administrative Block later in the day, i.e. at 4:00 pm.
Following this, students and teachers from Delhi University (DU) and Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) are planning to hold a march from Khalsa College to Arts Faculty tomorrow.
Tuesday will see another protest by groups of Left Wing students and teachers, who will march from Khalsa College to Arts Faculty against the stalling of the street play competition at SGTB Khlasa College.
Earlier today, Principal of Ramjas College Dr. Rajendra Prasad urged the students not to resort to violence. "Confront ideas and not people. My heart bleeds when Ramjas College bleeds," Prasad told ANI.
Confront ideas and not people. My heart bleeds when #Ramjas bleeds: Dr.Rajendra Prasad,Principal pic.twitter.com/wqEJszduoU
— ANI (@ANI_news) February 27, 2017
Prasad also released a written letter where he appealed to the students to resolve the problems in a respectful, peaceful and constructive manner to protect and preserve the educational environment.
"I appeal to the students of this illustrious college, for which we have toiled so hard, day and night, not to get involved which spoils the name and dignity of Ramjas to adopt peaceful modes to deal with any conflict of ideas," the letter read.
Appeal from the Principal of #Ramjas college regarding the Ramjas violence @timesofindia pic.twitter.com/dffolnb3Wr
— Ibrar (@kh_Ibrar82) February 27, 2017
Reacting on the development, Home Minister Rajnath Singh said he was in touch with Delhi Police over the situation arising out of the Ramjas College clash. The minister told journalists that he had asked Delhi Police to act with caution.
"I have told Delhi Police to practice restraint so that nothing goes wrong. I am constantly in touch with the police commissioner," he said.
DU's Ramjas College witnessed violent clashes on February 22 after ABVP members allegedly forced the cancellation of a seminar and the next day disrupted a march by its critics.
The Delhi Police was widely blamed for not restraining the ABVP activists and also for assaulting students and journalists.
Three policemen were suspended last week on charges of assault.
