A new confrontation was reported on Thursday morning at the entrance of Himachal Pradesh University (HPU) involving members of the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) and the Students’ Federation of India (SFI). The ABVP stated that unidentified SFI members allegedly attacked their workers. An anonymous SFI leader, however, suggested a potential link to an earlier incident in Paonta Sahib, Sirmaur district, where ABVP members were accused of assaulting an SFI activist.
The SFI and ABVP are recognized as the primary student political organizations at HPU, with the National Students’ Union of India (NSUI) maintaining a comparatively smaller presence. This latest event occurs amidst a documented history of clashes between these groups on campus, indicating ongoing tensions. Previous significant incidents include:
March 11: ABVP members allegedly attacked SFI volunteers with sharp-edged weapons at Potterhill Ground, resulting in six injuries.
May 9: Verbal arguments occurred between ABVP and SFI workers, including two women students.
July 26: Students clashed near Ambedkar Bhawan, leading to preventive actions.
September 18: ABVP and SFI members engaged in mutual altercations, involving women students, and resulted in cross-FIRs.
October 9: SFI workers reportedly attacked ABVP members at the HPU entrance gate.
Source: https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/chandigarh/investigators-fresh-student-clashes-hpu-march-11-assault-lack-security-10300860/