Bihar Students Attacked at Punjab University; Inter-Group Clash Turns Violent
Chandigarh (The Uttam Hindu): A violent altercation at Guru Kashi University in Bathinda, Punjab, has resulted in injuries to students from Bihar. Reports indicate that the incident involved a clash between two factions of Bihar students, with allegations that local individuals were also involved. According to the affected students, they were attacked with weapons, including swords, resulting in serious injuries to their heads and backs.
The victims have expressed concerns over their safety and have reportedly sent communications to Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and the Minister of Education, requesting immediate security measures. They also allege that the Punjab Police did not provide adequate assistance during or after the incident, claiming that only a limited number of individuals were detained.
The incident has drawn a strong reaction from Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary, who condemned the attack and called for swift action from the Punjab government. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Choudhary stated that "The incident of murderous attack on the students of Bihar at Kashi University, Guru of Bhatinda, Punjab, is highly condemnable. Many of Bihar's youth have been injured in the incident. Punjab has become a stronghold of hooliganism in the government of the common man party. AAP-DA party has worked to increase the disharmony towards ethnic and other states in Punjab. I demand that the Punjab government provide quick protection to the students of Bihar and take strict action on the culprits."
In response, Guru Kashi University Vice-Chancellor Dr. S.K. Bava clarified that the incident was not a conflict between Punjabi and Bihari students, but rather an internal dispute between two groups of Bihar students. He stated that "this quarrel did not take place between the Punjabis and the students of Bihar. Only 2 factions of Bihar students were among themselves. In which a group invited local friends in between. The university has identified the students of both factions and all students will be restrained." The university has indicated that measures are being taken to address the situation and ensure the safety of all students.
The incident has raised concerns about student safety and inter-group relations within the university, prompting calls for thorough investigation and preventative measures.
