Several Delhi University students came out in support of JNU and held a protest today demanding withdrawal of cases against JNU Students' Union president Kanhaiya Kumar and others, amidst a counter protest from members of RSS' studnts wing ABVP.
The students today gathered near Delhi University's Arts Faculty under the banner of "Save DU", which received support of several Leftist student outfits including AISF, AISA and SFI and also members of Delhi University Teachers' Union.
"We will continue the agitation until they withdraw sedition charges on Kanhaiya Kumar and withdraw cases against other students of JNU. We are here to take the spirit of protest across to every single college and university in the country," National General Secretary of AISF Vishwajeet Kumar, one of the organising members, said.
A PhD student from DU, Aswathy Senani, who was among those participating in the meeting, said that she supported the ongoing agitation.
"I am not affiliated with any political party but I believe that a university should be a space where all sorts of debates and discussions should happen. The way the present government has acted against students by trying to suppress dissenting voices in educational institutions should be opposed, and that is the reason why I decided to come here," she added.
An office bearer of the AISA at DU, Aman Gautam claimed that more students from the university who were not affiliated to any party were coming forward to support their demand to release arrested JNU student Kanhaiya Kumar. "Even students who are not affiliated to any political party are lending their support," he said.
The meeting took place amidst opposition from nearly a dozen ABVP members who shouted slogans such as "Jo Afzal ka saath dega woh Afzal ki maut marega (Those who will support Afzal will die his death)."
The police prevented a clash between ABVP members and the protesting students, numbering a little over 100. "No person has been detained and the situation was brought under control in due time," DCP (North) Madhur Verma said.
"The way they are demanding the release of Kanhaiya is not acceptable to us and therefore, we are here to oppose the meeting. Support for Afzal and opposing the nationalistic ethos of the country will not be tolerated," said Delhi unit secretary of ABVP Bharat Khatana.
He said that ABVP has given a "Sansad Gherao" call on January 24 at Jantar Mantar where they will demand suspension of Members of Parliament who have supported Kanhaiya.
