Ahmedabad: A significant disturbance unfolded at the Gujarat University hostel late on the evening of March 16, leading to a confrontation between local and foreign students. The clash resulted in damage to personal property, including laptops and air conditioning units in room number 23 of 'A' block, along with several vehicles parked outside. The incident, which occurred around 10 PM, prompted a police complaint filed at 12:45 AM the following day, with the hostel's security personnel named as the complainant.

Video evidence from the scene has made it abundantly clear that an Afghan student initiated the conflict by attacking and slapping a Hindu student. This aggressive act sparked a scuffle between two groups of students. When in retaliation they were taken care of, they have started crying and playing victim card. In the aftermath, numerous accounts on social media, primarily from Muslim users, began to express outrage, attributing the conflict to broader issues of Hindutva and criticizing Prime Minister Modi's administration. The situation has raised questions about the motives behind initiating a confrontation only to subsequently claim victimhood.

The hostel, home to approximately 300 foreign students from diverse backgrounds including Afghanistan, Africa, and Sri Lanka, experienced heightened tensions following this event. Specifically, within 'A' block where 75 foreign students reside, the incident began over a dispute regarding the practice of Namaz in open spaces. A group of individuals, apparently external to the university community, confronted the students about their public prayer, questioning, "why they were offering namaz in open, this is not mosque or madresa!" This inquiry incited a heated reaction from one Afghan student, identified as Harun Afghani, who aggressively confronted a Hindu student donning a saffron scarf, leading to the clash.

In the aftermath of the clash at Gujarat University hostel, it has been reported that four foreign students, hailing from Sri Lanka and a Central Asian country, sustained injuries during the incident. These students are currently receiving medical treatment, as confirmed by the police. The City Police Commissioner has stated that officers were dispatched to the scene within ten minutes of being alerted. He also mentioned that multiple videos capturing the clash, including the initial slap that sparked the altercation, are under thorough examination.

Further investigation into the site of the clash revealed that a wall and stage had been adapted by foreign students for use as an open mosque. The Arabic phrase "Bismillah al-Rahman al-Rahim (In the name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful)" was displayed on the wall, indicating the religious significance of this makeshift prayer area. It has been noted that group prayers were conducted here by foreign students on multiple occasions throughout the day.

In a conversation with a regional media outlet, an Afghan student recounted the harrowing experience of the previous night's attack in their hostel room, which resulted in the room being ransacked and significant damage to property, including air conditioners and laptops. This student expressed a desire to relocate to a safer place due to the severity of the attack, which involved a larger group of assailants.

In total, four students were injured during the confrontation and have since been transferred to SVP Hospital for medical care. This incident has sparked significant concern among the university community and authorities, prompting ongoing investigations to ensure the safety and security of all students.

Political Leaders Weigh In on Gujarat University Hostel Clash

In the wake of the unsettling events at Gujarat University hostel, political figures have begun to voice their concerns and call for action. The clash between local and foreign students has garnered attention from both Congress and the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM), with leaders from these parties advocating on behalf of the foreign students involved. AIMIM Chief Asaduddin Owaisi has notably shared videos from the perspective of the foreign students, attempting to highlight the communal tensions underlying the incident. Similarly, former Congress MLA Gyasuddin Sheikh has spoken out in support of the foreign students, urging for stringent actions to be taken against those responsible for the violence.

Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi, in a direct and critical message, lambasted Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah over the incident, labeling it as a "shame" and condemning it as "mass radicalisation" of individuals. Owaisi's critique didn't stop there; he directly questioned whether the Prime Minister would step in to address the issue decisively. "What a shame. When your devotion & religious slogans only come out when Muslims peacefully practice their religion. When you become unexplainably angry at the mere sight of Muslims. What is this, if not mass radicalisation? This is the home state of @AmitShah & @narendramodi, will they intervene to send a strong message? I am not holding my breath," Owaisi expressed on the social media platform X. In his post, he also tagged External Affairs Minister Dr. S Jaishankar, arguing that "domestic anti-Muslim hatred is destroying India’s goodwill."

Ahmedabad Police Commissioner GS Malik provided a detailed account of the events leading up to the incident. According to Malik, the confrontation began when foreign students were engaged in their evening Namaz outside their rooms at around 10:30 PM. This religious practice caught the attention of a group of 20-25 individuals who approached the students with inquiries about their decision to pray outdoors, suggesting that such activities should be conducted in a Masjid instead. This suggestion sparked an argument that escalated quickly, resulting in stone pelting and vandalism of the students' rooms by the individuals who had confronted them.

Commissioner Malik elaborated on the situation, noting that approximately 300 foreign students are enrolled at Gujarat University, with around 75 of those students residing in 'A' Block of the hostel. "Yesterday, at around 10:30 pm a group of students were offering Namaz. Around 20-25 people came and asked them why they were offering Namaz here and should instead read it in the Masjid. An argument broke out between them, stones were pelted and their rooms were vandalised by the people who came from outside," Malik stated, shedding light on the initial cause of the disturbance.

In response to the incident, the Ahmedabad police force, under the leadership of Commissioner Malik, acted promptly by lodging an FIR to officially record the event and initiate an investigation. Furthermore, a significant meeting was convened with Gujarat Home Minister Harsh Shangvi. During this meeting, Shangvi instructed the police to expedite the process of arresting those responsible for instigating the clash and causing harm to the foreign students and their property.

Swift Police Response and Ongoing Investigations at Gujarat University Hostel

Following the clash at the Gujarat University hostel, the police have taken decisive steps to address the situation and ensure the safety of all students involved. An FIR has been registered against 20-25 individuals in connection with the incident. The authorities have identified at least one person implicated in the altercation and have assured that "Action will be taken against those involved in this. One person has been identified. The law and order situation is under control now. At least two students from Sri Lanka and Tajikistan are admitted to the hospital..." This statement underscores the prompt action taken by law enforcement to restore peace and order within the university community.

To further the investigation, ACP and DCP level officials were dispatched to the Gujarat University hostel. The Vice Chancellor of the University also made an appearance at the scene, signifying the gravity of the situation and the concerted effort among university officials and law enforcement to address the issue comprehensively. In a significant move to expedite the investigation, the city police have formed 9 teams tasked with probing the incident in detail. Additionally, a meeting was convened between the MoS Home and the Commissioner of Police at the State circuit house, highlighting the collaboration between university and state authorities in responding to the clash.

In the wake of the incident, the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), a top student organization, has issued a statement calling for "strict action from Gujarat government and police, in late last night’s incident involving foreign students studying at Gujarat University." The ABVP has raised concerns regarding campus security, urging the Gujarat University administration to implement stricter security measures to prevent such incidents in the future.

Meanwhile, Bajrang Dal Gujarat has issued a statement on social media, indicating that their members were present during the incident in coordination with the campus security guard. An unverified handle attributed to Bajrang Dal Gujarat mentioned that "when attacked, Hindu community gives reaction and will continue to give reaction." This comment reflects the charged atmosphere following the clash and the strong sentiments within certain community segments.

Congress Leader Calls for Accountability in University Hostel Clash

Congress leader Gyasuddin Sheikh has become red-faced and publicly voiced his concerns and condemnation of the events. Through a series of tweets, Sheikh expressed his dismay and demanded immediate action against those who caused the disturbance, emphasizing the need for justice and accountability.

Sheikh criticized the response of the police to the incident, suggesting that their actions were insufficient in dealing with the perpetrators of the clash. Highlighting a lack of decisive action, he pointed out, "We informed the police, but no action was taken." This statement underscores a perceived failure in law enforcement's response to the crisis, raising questions about the efficacy and impartiality of the police in such situations.

The Congress leader's frustration is further amplified by the police's decision to record the complaint of the hostel's watchman over that of the foreign students directly affected by the clash. Sheikh argues that this decision overlooks the victims' grievances and calls for immediate action against the officers who failed to address the foreign students' complaints adequately.

Moreover, Sheikh insists that the FIR (First Information Report) should comprehensively document the incident, including charges of robbery and raid, to fully account for the gravity of the situation. He also advocates for the swift arrest of the individuals involved, based on available video evidence, to ensure that those responsible are held accountable for their actions.

Reflections on the Gujarat University Hostel Clash

The recent events at Gujarat University Hostel, which escalated into a violent clash between students, have sparked a significant conversation about the dynamics of inter-community relations, respect, and self-defense within academic environments. A particularly telling moment captured on video clearly shows the initiation of the conflict by an Afghan student who slapped a Hindu student, leading to a broader altercation between two groups. 

The response from the Hindu community, as articulated in discussions following the event, underscores a fundamental principle: while there is a strong inclination towards peace, respect, and love, there is also an inherent readiness to defend and retalitate if provoked. The incident at Gujarat University Hostel thus serves as a critical reflection point. It compels us to consider the importance of fostering an environment that prioritizes mutual respect, understanding, and dialogue. Educational institutions, as microcosms of broader society, play a pivotal role in shaping the attitudes and behaviors of future leaders and citizens. As such, they bear the responsibility of creating spaces that encourage respectful coexistence and constructive engagement across different cultural and religious lines.

Moving forward, it is imperative for all parties involved — students, university administration, law enforcement, and the wider community — to engage in open, honest conversations about the incident and its underlying causes. By doing so, it is possible to address grievances, dispel misunderstandings, and work towards a shared vision of harmony and mutual respect. Furthermore, this dialogue must be accompanied by actionable steps to ensure such conflicts are prevented in the future, including clearer communication channels, cultural sensitivity training, and mechanisms for dispute resolution.