'State-Sponsored Terrorism On JNU Campus': Congress Attacks Amit Shah, Delhi Police

Congress spokesperson Randeep Singh Surjewala said there was 'no rule of law or democracy' left in the country.

Updated on: 6 January 2020 11:29 am

India witnessed "state-sponsored goondaism and terrorism" at the Jawaharlal Nehru University campus yesterday, Congress alleged on Monday, launching a scathing attack on Home Minister Amit Shah and Delhi police, a day after a group of masked men and women armed with sticks and stones rampaged through the varsity.

Addressing a press conference, Congress spokesperson Randeep Singh Surjewala said: "All this (violence) happened under the watch of JNU administration and also Delhi Police, which is directly controlled by Home Minister Amit Shah."

Surjewala said there was "no rule of law or democracy" left in the country. He said: "The government should stop sponsored violence on campuses," and asked why the present dispensation was "harbouring enmity towards the youth of the country."

"The more you will suppress the voice of the youth, more emboldened it will become."

Meanwhile, Home Minister Amit Shah spoke to Delhi Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal and requested him to call representatives from JNU and hold talks.

Delhi police have registered an FIR in connection with violence in which close to 40 students and teachers sustained injuries. At least two students were said to be critically injured.

Vice-Chancellor M. Jagadesh Kumar, who has been in the eye of a storm, on Monday appealed to all students to maintain peace on campus and stated that the top priority is to protect the academic interest of the students.

This comes a day after unidentified masked goons entered the varsity on Sunday night and attacked students and teaching staff, leaving many injured.

"Would like to appeal to all the students to maintain peace. The University stands by all the students to facilitate their pursuit of academic activities. We will ensure that their winter semester registration will take place without any hindrance," Kumar said in a statement.

He also assured the students that there was nothing to be afraid of and necessary action will be taken to protect the student interest.'

"They need not fear about their process. The top priority of the University is to protect the academic interests of our students," Kumar added.

(With inputs from agencies)