Scuffle overshadows Holi at PU

Varsity spokesman denies fight among students, confirms scuffle with guards

LAHORE:

The Hindu students of the University of Punjab (PU) reportedly were celebrating Holi on the campus when a group attacked them, allegedly leaving over a dozen students injured.

Meanwhile, the PU administration smells a 'conspiracy' and 'hidden elements' in an attack on Hindu students who had gathered to celebrate Holi.

The university ruled out injuries in the incident and that the attack was perpetrated by the Islami Jamiat Tulaba (IJT).

Talking to The Express Tribune on Tuesday, a Punjab University spokesperson denied the occurrence of any 'fight' over Holi celebration.

He, however, conceded that there had been a scuffle involving the university guards when a group of Sindhi Council students surrounded the VC office.

Spokesperson Khuram Shahzad said, "Holi was celebrated with full zeal and festivity by the community members. Music was played along with all other activities. There was no obstruction created by anyone."

He denied that any student had been injured.

The spokesperson appeared adamant despite multiple video footages surfacing on social media in which youths carrying clubs could be seen attacking students in the presence of the university guards.

In a video clip, Sindhi Council students were seen arguing with Punjab University chief security officer (CSO) over obstruction of activities and attack by the IJT. Sindhi Council general secretary Kashif Barohi asked the official, "Who was IJT to stop them?". The CSO replied, "First you should be answerable for organising cake cutting outside the allocated venue."

According to Punjab University Sindhi Students Council general secretary Kashif Barohi, as members of the group were gathering at the Law College ground to join Holi celebrations, a group of IJT activists attacked them. On the other hand, the university spokesman said an organisation established on 'ethnic grounds' had tried to exploit the name of Hindu students to further its agenda. The administration had allowed Hindu community members to celebrate Holi outside the gymnasium in the university.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 8^th, 2023.