The Vice-Chancellor (VC) of Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) on January 7th, 2020 has reached out to students after the violence and urged them to “put the past behind and make a new beginning”.

“The incident that took place on Sunday is unfortunate. Our campus is known for debates and discussions in resolving issues, violence is not a solution. We will find every opportunity to make sure that normalcy returns to the university. Let us make a new beginning and put the past behind,” Vice-Chancellor M Jagadesh Kumar said.

Violence broke out at JNU on January 5th, 2020 after masked men armed with sticks, iron rods and stones attacked students and teachers and vandalised property on the campus. The JNUSU and the ABVP blamed each other for the violence that continued for over two hours.

The VC also made an appeal to the students to come back to the campus. “Our heart goes out to all injured students,” he added.

The statements came after the JNU Students’ Union (JNUSU) demanded Kumar’s resignation and accused him of behaving like a “mobster” and of “perpetrating violence” in the university.

“Mr Mamidala Jagadesh Kumar, it is time to go! The JNU community has a single point demand. That either this V-C resign or the MHRD as the competent authority remove him! Those who are trying to malign and destroy this university will not succeed.. JNU will live on!” JNUSU said in a statement.

More than 30 students were injured when a masked mob went on the rampage, attacking students and teachers and vandalising property.

Meanwhile, Hindu Raksha Dal, a fringe outfit, has claimed responsibility for the violence in JNU.

Photo credit: @mamidala90