Clash Erupts at Jamia Millia Islamia During Diwali Celebrations

On Tuesday night, a Diwali celebration at Delhi’s Jamia Millia Islamia University took a violent turn as tensions flared between two student groups, resulting in a scuffle. The incident occurred during a rangoli event organized as part of the university's Diwali festivities, attracting significant attention due to the sensitive nature of the clash.

According to reports, the altercation took place at Gate No. 7 of the Jamia campus. The students involved in the celebration, allegedly affiliated with the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP)—the student wing of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)—had been decorating the area with rangolis and lighting diyas, traditional elements of Diwali celebrations. However, the peaceful atmosphere was disrupted when a group reportedly wrecked the decorations and kicked the diyas, sparking a clash between the two sides.

Eyewitnesses and videos circulating on social media reveal that the situation escalated quickly. Some clips show individuals chanting slogans, with certain students alleging that the group disrupting the event shouted "Palestine Zindabad" while sabotaging the Diwali decorations. The exact reasons for the group's actions remain unclear, but tensions over the cultural and political dynamics within the university may have contributed to the outbreak of violence.

The Indian Express quoted Deputy Commissioner of Police (Southeast), Ravi Kumar, stating that the scuffle began after members of one group destroyed the rangolis, triggering a physical altercation and sloganeering between the two groups. The altercation lasted until security personnel intervened to control the situation.

Videos of the event went viral on social media, further inflaming public discourse. Some clips show individuals walking into the Diwali event and disrupting it, leading to chaotic scenes. Students from the ABVP issued a statement, claiming that the reasons behind the disruption are still being investigated, though they pointed to cultural and political motivations as a possible cause.

Following the incident, police were deployed around the Jamia Millia Islamia campus to maintain peace and prevent further clashes. Security forces remained stationed overnight, with authorities closely monitoring the situation. Despite the swift action of law enforcement, the event has left a mark on the university's festive spirit, raising concerns about the intersection of politics, culture, and student life at one of India's premier educational institutions.

More details are expected to emerge as investigations continue, and both groups are likely to present their side of the story. However, this clash highlights the rising tensions on campuses across the country, where student groups with differing political ideologies often find themselves in confrontation.