International students from various countries were assaulted by a mob at Gujarat University on the night of March 16, allegedly for performing namaz prayers. The incident, which took place at a hostel on campus, involved around 300 foreign students from Africa, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, and other nations. The attackers, numbering between 20 to 25 individuals, objected to the students’ prayers and demanded they worship in a mosque instead. The situation escalated into violence, resulting in injuries to several students who were subsequently admitted to SVP Hospital in Ahmedabad.
The altercation occurred around 10:30 p.m. when a group entered the hostel premises and confronted the international students praying in Block A. Despite attempts to reason with the attackers, the students were physically assaulted, and their belongings were damaged. Videos circulating on social media depict the chaos, with chants of ‘Jai Shri Ram’ heard amidst acts of vandalism and stone pelting.
Given the absence of a mosque on campus, the students had gathered in a designated hostel for foreign students to observe prayers during the month of Ramzan. However, their peaceful assembly was disrupted by the mob, resulting in fear and distress among the targeted students. Ahmedabad Police Commissioner G.S. Malik confirmed that an FIR was filed against the perpetrators, with assurances of their imminent arrest. The situation is now reported to be under control, although concerns remain regarding the safety of international students.
AIMIM chief and Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi condemned the incident, denouncing it as an expression of mass radicalization and criticizing the lack of intervention from local authorities. Gujarat University’s vice-chancellor, Neerja Arun Gupta, characterized the violence as a clash between two groups, emphasizing the seriousness with which the police and government are addressing the matter. The Ministry of External Affairs has acknowledged the incident and is in communication with the state government to ensure appropriate action is taken to safeguard the affected students and prevent future occurrences of such violence.
The assault on foreign students at Gujarat University is a disturbing reminder of the challenges faced by international students in India. The incident underscores the importance of promoting tolerance and understanding among diverse communities on university campuses. It is imperative that authorities take swift and decisive action to ensure the safety and well-being of all students, regardless of their nationality or religious beliefs. Efforts must be made to address the root causes of such violence and foster an environment of inclusivity and respect within educational institutions.
