Violence Erupts at CAA Debate in Gauhati University Campus

A scheduled debate organized by the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) on the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) at the Gauhati University campus in Assam took a violent turn on Monday, as clashes erupted between students with differing views on the contentious legislation. Police intervention was necessary to quell the situation, which saw at least six students sustaining minor injuries during the altercation. Fortunately, the injured students were promptly treated and released from the hospital, according to police reports.

The ABVP had convened the debate as part of their “State Students Leaders Conference” at the Birinchi Kumar Barua Auditorium of Gauhati University. However, tensions escalated when a group of students opposing the event clashed with organizers following a heated argument. The ABVP alleged that their members were targeted and physically assaulted by the dissenting students, while the protesters countered with claims of derogatory remarks and divisive rhetoric from the ABVP participants.

Amidst the chaos, voices emerged from both sides, with students emphasizing the importance of maintaining decorum and civility within the educational institution. The university authorities assured a thorough investigation into the incident, vowing appropriate actions against those found responsible for instigating violence or violating disciplinary norms.

The backdrop of the clash lies within ongoing discussions surrounding the implementation and implications of the CAA in Assam. The law, passed by Parliament in December 2019, has sparked debates and protests across the region due to its provisions offering citizenship to undocumented migrants from select religious communities in neighboring countries. As Assam grapples with the socio-political ramifications of the CAA, incidents like the one at Gauhati University underscore the deep-seated divisions and divergent perspectives surrounding this contentious legislation.