Three students injured as rival groups clash at Punjab University

Varsity spokesman says fight ensued after car-motorcycle collision

LAHORE: Three students were injured during a clash between two rival groups at Punjab University on Tuesday.

The incident occurred on a day when a conference on Kashmir was underway and Prime Minister of Azad Kashmir Raja Farooq Haider was the chief guest for the occasion.

Baloch Council Chairperson Amir Baloch told The Express Tribune that he, along with two other members of the council, were travelling in a car to submit the admission forms of new students. Meanwhile, two members of Jamiat Talaba (IJT) crossed their way and abused them.

“We just ignored them. However, they instigated us and ultimately a fight ensued in which three students were injured. Over 24 members of IJT attacked us,” he said.

Meanwhile, Central Spokesperson for IJT Rana Usman said the conference was being organised in collaboration with IJT by the administration. Former Amir of Jamat-e-Islami Kashmir was also a guest speaker on the occasion.

“The campaign by IJT inside and outside the university had frustrated the rival groups. They had been planning to disrupt our activities and were looking for an opportunity. When they could not find any other excuse, they proactively started a dispute,” he said. He said the conference was concluded peacefully despite a sabotage attempt.

Amir Baloch rejected the IJT version and termed it an act of prejudice against them. He vowed to stage a nationwide protest and take legal action against the suspects.

On the other hand, spokesperson for the Punjab University said the administration immediately rushed to the spot and controlled the situation after a brawl started due to the collision of a motorcycle and a car. He added that the university would take action against those involved in disrupting the peace.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 25^th, 2019.