Authorities in western India have launched an investigation after an attack on foreign university students during Ramazan prayers, allegedly by far-right Hindu nationalists. This incident amidst rising religious tensions ahead of a key general election involved clashes at Gujarat University. The clashes began on Saturday when students from Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, and Tajikistan started their prayers on the campus, leading to the detention of two individuals.
Commissioner GS Malik reported that a group of 20-25 confronted the praying students, suggesting they move to a mosque. The altercation quickly escalated, resulting in stone-pelting and damage to student accommodations. The Ministry of External Affairs has confirmed injuries to at least two foreign students.
In reaction, the state government, through spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, has promised stern action against those responsible. This event marks the latest in a series of communal conflicts in India, highlighting increasing religious polarization.
Witness accounts detailed interruptions by individuals chanting Hindu slogans, which led to physical conflicts and further vandalism. Online videos show the disruption, with chants of “Jai Shree Ram,” a cry often used against Muslims.
An Afghan student described how their prayer session was initially disrupted by three people, escalating when more joined, throwing stones and damaging property. Despite having permission for their prayers, the students have requested relocation to a safer area.
The university’s vice chancellor has acknowledged the incident and confirmed that an investigation is underway. Police are analyzing video evidence to ascertain the confrontation’s origins.
Analysts have pointed out the increasing intolerance and religious tensions in India, especially as Modi’s BJP promotes policies that have been described as populist and divisive with the national election approaching.
Other incidents, such as the placement of saffron flags on a Christian church in Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh, have further highlighted the growing religious divide.
