Three days later, Punjab University still on the edge

Police have so far managed to identify only 12 students involved in the clash

LAHORE: A cloud of fear and tension has engulfed the Punjab University campus since the bloody clashes three days ago that left dozens of students injured.

Police have so far managed to identify only 12 students involved in the violence that saw the largest university of the province closing down for a day on Friday. The administration had earlier announced suspension of all events and activities to be organised by different student bodies within the varsity.

The annual book fair of the Punjab University, scheduled for April 6 to 8, has also been put off indefinitely.

Around 100 police officials, including six SHOs, two DSPs and female officers, were seen at the campus as the administration feared another clash between the Islami Jamiat Talaba (IJT) and the Pakhtun Education Development Movement (PEDM).

On March 21, a cultural event organised by the PEDM was attacked allegedly by the activists of the right-wing IJT, leaving around 30 students injured. While the Pakhtun students had been given official permission to hold the event, the stall set up a few yards away by the IJT was unauthorised.

Police in riot gear and a water canon continue to be deployed near the main mosque on the campus while only a single entry and exit point has been opened for use.

An official requesting anonymity told The Express Tribune there were reports that a brawl could break out any time after the Friday prayers near the mosque.

“The administration deployed security guards and police were also informed about the potential fight. The administration also spoke to students of the PEDM, who assured us of cooperation, while the IJT was also approached. Because of all these measures, no untoward incident occurred today,” he said.

Police sources told The Express Tribune that 12 suspects had been identified positively with the help of CCTV footage while more footage was being reviewed. Police have also made arrests from the university hostels after the clash and a case had been registered against more than 200 unidentified students.

Prime suspect on the run

PEDM member Jaffar Khan said the student body was cooperating with the university administration in the investigations. He, however, added the main culprit, who initiated the attack on the Pakhtun Culture Day, was not apprehended.

“Our main demand is the IJT activist, who initiated the attack, be arrested. This so far has not been done. Additionally, we have demanded the administration and Punjab government put an end to the violent activities of the IJT and clear out hostels, which are under their control,” he said.

The PEDM, Jaffar warned, will initiate a protest within the university with other progressive student groups from all over country if their demands are not met.

To boot, the PEDM members could also leave for their hometowns if the Punjab government did not secure the university from ‘violent groups’. “We demand Punjab Chief Minister Shehbaz Sharif to personally look into the matter and ensure security of all students,” he added.

Security at the campus

Punjab University spokesperson Khurram Shahzad said the varsity administration had taken measures to ensure security at the campus with the help of police and the situation was under control.

About indentifying those responsible for Tuesday’s violence, he said the perpetrators were being identified and a list has been made through the CCTV footage.

The IJT, meanwhile, claims its activists, including female members, were attacked on Tuesday and has staged a number of protests, including one on Liberty Chowk on Tuesday.

Demanding the arrest of the attackers, they said the incompetent Punjab government had taken no action against violent elements on the campus.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 25^th, 2017.