Leaders express shock at, condemn JNU violence

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi expressed shock over the violence at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) on Sunday night and claimed that it was a "reflection of fear" that "fascists in control of our nation" have of the students.

"The brutal attack on JNU students and teachers by masked thugs, that has left many seriously injured, is shocking. The fascists in control of our nation, are afraid of the voices of our brave students. Today's violence in JNU is a reflection of that fear," he said in a tweet.

After CM Arvind Kejriwal's request, Delhi LG Anil Baijal swung into action and said he directed police to restore order on JNU campus.

"Spoke to Hon'ble LG and urged him to direct police to restore order. He has assured that he is closely monitoring the situation and taking all necessary steps," Kejriwal tweeted.

Shortly after the tweet, Baijal condemned the violence and said he has directed police take all posiible steps to maintain law and order.

"The violence in JNU against students and teachers is highly condemnable. Directed @DelhiPolice to take all possible steps in coordination with JNU Administration to maintain law and order & take action against the perpetrators of violence. The situation is being closely monitored," the LG said in a tweet.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee too condemned the attack on JNU students and announced that a Trinamool Congress delegation led by Lok Sabha MP Dinesh Trivedi is headed to Delhi to show solidarity with the students.

“We strongly condemn brutality unleashed against students/teachers in JNU. No words enough to describe such heinous acts. It is shame on our democracy,” Banerjee tweeted.

CPI(M) general secretary Sitaram Yechury blamed the ABVP for the JNU violence and alleged that the attacks were "planned" by those in power.

"Reports coming from JNU point to a collusion between the administration and goons of ABVP to inflict violence on students and teachers. It is a planned attack by those in power, which is afraid of the resistance provided by JNU to its Hindutva agenda," Yechury tweeted.