Central government ministers and opposition leaders condemned the violence at Delhi’s Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) where dozens of masked men armed with sticks and stones stormed the campus and went about attacking teachers, students and vandalizing hostels, leaving many wounded.
A statement from the home ministry said minister Amit Shah had spoken to the Delhi police commissioner to enquire about the situation in JNU and had sought a report on the violence.
Union Home Minister has spoken to Delhi Police Commissioner over JNU violence and instructed him to take necessary action. Hon’ble minister has also ordered an enquiry to be carried out by a Joint CP level officer and asked for a report to be submitted as soon as possible.
— गृहमंत्री कार्यालय, HMO India (@HMOIndia) January 5, 2020
Ministers react
“Have seen pictures of what is happening in JNU. Condemn the violence unequivocally. This is completely against the tradition and culture of the university,” S Jaishankar said.
Have seen pictures of what is happening in #JNU. Condemn the violence unequivocally. This is completely against the tradition and culture of the university.
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) January 5, 2020
Horrifying images from JNU — the place I know & remember was one for fierce debates & opinions but never violence. I unequivocally condemn the events of today. This govt, regardless of what has been said the past few weeks, wants universities to be safe spaces for all students.
— Nirmala Sitharaman (@nsitharaman) January 5, 2020
The violence in JNU against students and teachers is highly condemnable. Directed @DelhiPolice to take all possible steps in coordination with JNU Administration to maintain law and order & take action against the perpetrators of violence. The situation is being closely monitored
— LG Delhi (@LtGovDelhi) January 5, 2020
Spoke to Hon’ble LG and urged him to direct police to restore order. He has assured that he is closely monitoring the situation and taking all necessary steps https://t.co/gpRGCCbwGF
— Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) January 5, 2020
Opposition leaders react
Former Congress president Rahul Gandhi said the brutal attack in JNU is “shocking” and described the Modi government’s rule (without naming it) as a “fascist” one.
“The brutal attack on JNU students and teachers by masked thugs, that has left many seriously injured, is shocking. The fascists in control of our nation, are afraid of the voices of our brave students. Today’s violence in JNU is a reflection of that fear,” Rahul Gandhi said in a tweet.
The brutal attack on JNU students & teachers by masked thugs, that has left many seriously injured, is shocking.
The fascists in control of our nation, are afraid of the voices of our brave students. Today’s violence in JNU is a reflection of that fear.
#SOSJNU pic.twitter.com/kruTzbxJFJ
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) January 5, 2020
Senior Congress leader and former Union finance minister P Chidambaram said, What we are seeing on Live TV is shocking and horrifying. Masked men enter JNU hostels and attack students. What are the police doing? Where is the police commissioner?
What we are seeing on
Live TV is shocking and horrifying. Masked men enter JNU hostels and
attack students.What is the Police doing? Where is the Police Commissioner?
— P. Chidambaram (@PChidambaram_IN) January 5, 2020
West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress president Mamata Banerjee said she strongly condemns the brutality unleashed against students and teachers in JNU.
We strongly condemn brutality unleashed agst students/teachers in JNU. No words enough to describe such heinous acts. A shame on our democracy. Trinamool delegation led by Dinesh Trivedi (SajdaAhmed, ManasBhunia, VivekGupta) headed to DEL to show solidarity with #ShaheenBagh #JNU
— Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) January 5, 2020