Tensions erupted at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) after an incident of stone pelting during the screening of The Sabarmati Report at Sabarmati Dhaba on campus. The Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) has vehemently condemned the attack, describing it as “cowardly” and “reprehensible.” The organization called the act a direct assault on the principles of freedom of expression, dialogue, and the democratic values that JNU is known for.
ABVP’s Strong Condemnation
In a statement following the incident, ABVP JNU expressed outrage at the violence, which involved unidentified miscreants pelting stones at the audience attending the film screening. According to ABVP, this attack put the lives of hundreds of students and attendees at great risk, and it was not just an assault on a group of individuals but on the very essence of open debate and free speech.
The film The Sabarmati Report was being screened with the goal of sparking a conversation on important national issues that ABVP believes are often suppressed by the “intellectual elite” in India. The screening was presented as a means to uncover truths and initiate discussions on topics that ABVP claims have been deliberately silenced in mainstream discourse. However, the violent response, according to ABVP, highlights the “intolerance” and “insecurity” of certain elements within the campus who oppose these narratives.
ABVP’s Broader Allegations
The ABVP further criticized what they described as “anti-Bharat, anti-Hindu forces” within JNU, accusing them of fearing the resurgence of national values, particularly those aligned with dharma (righteousness) and truth. The statement emphasized that such forces thrive on deceit, propaganda, and a “twisted narrative” that aims to dismantle the cultural and spiritual fabric of the nation. ABVP claimed that these elements are determined to suppress any voice that challenges their ideological agenda or exposes what they consider to be lies.
Referring to the recent attack, ABVP declared that they would not be silenced. “We will continue to organize events that inspire thought, debate, and action for a united and prosperous Bharat,” the statement read. The organization pledged to fight against what it called “anti-national, anti-dharmic, and breaking-India forces,” assuring students that they would persist in their efforts to promote national unity and cultural pride.
Minor Injuries Reported
Following the incident, one of the JNU students present at the scene mentioned that while there were minor injuries reported, the situation did not escalate further. The injured students were reportedly treated on-site, and the atmosphere remained tense but controlled after the attack.
BJP Condemns the Attack
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) also voiced its strong disapproval of the violence. National spokesperson Shehzad Poonawala condemned the stone pelting as a reflection of the growing intolerance among certain groups, linking the attack to the broader “Congress ecosystem.” He criticized the hypocrisy of individuals who claim to advocate for freedom of speech but engage in violent acts when confronted with differing views.
Poonawala pointed out the contradiction in the actions of those who have protested against the Sabarmati Report screening while simultaneously supporting the screening of other controversial content, such as the BBC documentary. His remarks underscored the political divide surrounding freedom of expression and highlighted the larger ideological battle playing out on the JNU campus.
JNU Students Respond to the Incident
Reacting to the stone pelting incident, some students at JNU expressed their support for ABVP’s stance, defending the screening of The Sabarmati Report as an important step in presenting an alternative perspective. A few students involved with ABVP emphasized that the objective was to show the “reality” behind the issues addressed in the film. According to them, screenings like these are crucial in encouraging students to move beyond what they described as a “liberal agenda” and consider different viewpoints.
These student reactions reflect the ongoing ideological divide at JNU, where debates over freedom of speech, nationalism, and the role of academic institutions in fostering open dialogue continue to escalate. Supporters of ABVP argue that the university should be a space for diverse perspectives and critical thought, while their opponents accuse the group of promoting divisive politics.
The incident at JNU following the screening of The Sabarmati Report highlights the increasing polarization within the university and the larger national discourse. With both ABVP and BJP condemning the attack and reaffirming their commitment to free speech, the conflict has intensified debates on the role of academic spaces in shaping political and ideological narratives. As the situation continues to develop, it remains to be seen how JNU will address the growing tensions and the ongoing struggle for ideological supremacy.
