JNU protest over UGC norms turns violent; cops say students bit, threw stones

Despite an advisory against protesting outside JNU, 400–500 students marched toward the Ministry of Education, reaching the main gate on Thursday. As tensions escalated, barricades were damaged. Police alleged protesters threw objects, including sticks and shoes, and assaulted personnel, with several officers injured during the scuffle.

Police and students from Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) sustained injuries on Thursday following a confrontation during a protest march to the Ministry of Education office in Delhi. The demonstration was organised by the JNU Students' Union (JNUSU) amid ongoing disagreements with the university administration over recent disciplinary actions and policy remarks.

The protest, described as a "Long March," was announced by students to highlight their demands, including opposition to the recent rustication of student leaders, implementation of University Grants Commission norms, and support for the proposed Rohith Act. Police said in a statement that they had not granted permission for the march outside campus grounds.

Despite the advisory, between 400 and 500 students gathered and began the march from campus. Around 3:20 pm, they moved toward the main gate in an attempt to proceed to the ministry. Police set up barricades in response to the approaching group.

In videos obtained by India Today from Thursday’s protest at JNU, students allegedly associated with the JNUSU can be seen slapping police personnel, abusing security staff, and throwing sticks at them.

In one video, a PhD student named Nitish is seen climbing a wall inside JNU and allegedly instigating students, while also speaking about teaching the police a lesson.

In another video, a student identified as Shrey is seen allegedly slapping a police officer. A third video purportedly shows students abusing security personnel deployed outside the JNU campus and throwing a stick at a Rapid Action Force (RAF) jawan.