JNU protests escalate as arrests rise, clashes leave police and students injured

The Delhi Police said 14 people have been arrested so far in connection with the violence linked to the JNU Students’ Union (JNUSU) protests. Those arrested include former JNUSU president Nitish Kumar, current president Aditi Mishra, vice-president Gopika Babu, and joint secretary Danish Ali, news agency ANI reported.

Police barricaded the JNU campus after students attempted a “Long March” to the Ministry of Education, demanding the implementation of University Grants Commission (UGC) regulations. Authorities said permission for the march was denied by the university administration, and the protest turned violent when students tried to move out of the campus. Several police personnel were injured in the clashes, as per ANI.

According to police, around 400 to 500 students gathered and damaged barricades near the main gate at around 3:20 pm on Thursday. Officers alleged that protesters threw banners and sticks, hurled shoes, and physically assaulted personnel, including biting some officers. About 25 police personnel, including senior officers, were injured, noted a separate report by PTI.