Violence at Gujarat University: Foreign Students Attacked During Prayer Time
- Posted on March 17, 2024
- International Affairs
- By Arijit Dutta
- 311 Views
Foreign students at Gujarat University faced violence during prayers, with five injured. The incident sparked clashes between communities, leading to property damage and injuries. The police swiftly responded, filing FIRs and assuring action. Politicians condemned the attack, urging intervention to address rising tensions.
In
a disturbing incident at Gujarat
University in Ahmedabad, international students became victims of violence
while offering prayers. At least five students hailing from various countries
including Sri Lanka, South Africa, Afghanistan, and Uzbekistan were injured in
an attack by a mob on Saturday. Reports indicate that the students were
assaulted while they were offering Namaz outside their hostel rooms. The
assailants reportedly vandalized their belongings including laptops and mobile
phones before fleeing the scene.
The
clash erupted when a group of individuals objected to the students praying
outside their rooms. They allegedly shouted religious slogans, leading to a
confrontation between the two groups. The altercation escalated, with videos of
the incident circulating on social media, showing the attackers assaulting the
students and damaging property.
Ahmedabad
Commissioner of Police GS Malik provided further details, stating that the
incident occurred around 10:30 pm when the students were praying outside their
rooms. A group of 20-25 people confronted them, suggesting they pray in the
mosque instead. This led to a heated argument and stone-pelting, prompting
security officials to intervene and file a First Information Report (FIR).
The police, including top officials, met with Gujarat Home Minister Harsh Shangvi to discuss the situation. Efforts are underway to apprehend the culprits, with one individual already identified. Two students from Sri Lanka and Tajikistan are currently hospitalized due to injuries sustained during the attack.
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The
incident drew condemnation from various quarters, with Hyderabad MP Asaduddin
Owaisi criticizing the government's response. He called it a "shame"
and highlighted concerns about rising religious tensions and anti-Muslim
sentiment. Owaisi urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit
Shah to intervene and address the issue promptly.
The
assault on international students at Gujarat University underscores the need
for measures to ensure their safety and promote religious harmony on campus.
Authorities must take decisive action to hold the perpetrators accountable and
prevent similar incidents in the future.