Clashes erupt between AISA, ABVP in North Campus

Activists affiliated to the left-backed All India Students Association (AISA) and RSS affiliated Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) allegedly clashed outside the Open House counselling sessions at North Campus on Tuesday.

Activists from AISA claimed that they were assaulted by ABVP activists over the issue of distribution of pamphlets, while the ABVP countered the charge by claiming that their women activists were abused by AISA members. A formal complaint has been lodged at Maurice Nagar Police Station though no FIR has been lodged so far.

The incident took place inside the Delhi University premises, where the second day of the counselling session was held. According to Sujit Chandra Banshi, an AISA activist, three members from the left backed student wing, including him, were distributing pamphlets when they were confronted by ABVP activists.

"The ABVP activists confronted us when we were clearing some doubts put up by the aspirants. There was a confrontation after which they returned with the Delhi University Student's Union (DUSU) President Amit Tanwar, who asked us for our identification cards, when we did not give them the cards, they assaulted us and tried to snatch our wallet," said Sujit Banshi.

However, the ABVP activists had a different story to tell. Ram, the ABVP coordinator for North Campus, who also witnessed the tussle, claimed that two women activists from ABVP were abused by AISA cadres.

"Two of our women activists were abused. They called us ABVP goons.

There was a minor confrontation and it fizzled out. There was no assault, and I think it is laughable that they accused us of stealing their wallet," Ram said.