NEW DELHI: A mob on Saturday attacked Muslims international students on Gujarat University campus. The group allegedly did not want them to offer namaz at the hostel, The Wire reported on Sunday.
According to reports, a group opposed to international students performing namaz at the hostel on the Gujarat University campus launched an attack on them on Saturday night. Some injured students have been admitted to SVP Hospital in Ahmedabad.
“Approximately 300 foreign students from Africa, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, and other nations are enrolled at Gujarat University,” stated Ahmedabad Police Commissioner G.S. Malik, as reported by The Hindu.
“In Block A, where around 75 foreign students reside, they were engaged in prayer at their hostel around 10:30 pm yesterday.
“Around 20-25 individuals entered the hostel premises and objected to the international students’ prayers there, insisting they use a mosque. A dispute ensued, leading to physical assault and stone-throwing.”
Despite this, the police commissioner assured that the situation was under control. An FIR was filed against 20-25 suspects, and they are expected to be apprehended soon.
According to Vibes of India, the mob incited violence by chanting ‘Jai Shri Ram’ slogans.
“Videos depicting vandalism and stone-throwing have circulated widely on social media. Some clips showed damaged property, including bikes and laptops, as well as vandalized rooms. In certain footage, individuals are seen throwing stones at the hostel and verbally attacking the foreign students, who express fear and condemnation of the situation,” reported the portal.
Since there is no mosque on campus, the students had reportedly gathered in a hostel designated for foreign students to perform namaz during the month of Ramazan. The mob then intruded into their rooms and vandalized their belongings.
However, Gujarat University Vice Chancellor Neerja Arun Gupta attributed the violence to a “clash” between two groups. She noted that the police and government were treating the matter with utmost seriousness.
The Ministry of External Affairs confirmed it was aware of the situation and in communication with the state government.
