AISF Pondicherry University condemns alleged attack at Dr Hari Singh Gour University event

The All India Students’ Federation (AISF) Pondicherry Central University unit has issued a condemnation statement alleging a violent attack during an AISF unit formation programme at Dr Hari Singh Gour University on February 20, 2026.

As per the statement, the programme, scheduled at 4 pm on February 20, was organised as part of AISF’s efforts to promote student engagement on issues such as the UGC Bill, privatisation of education, study circles and scientific temper. The organisation alleged that during preparations for the event, a group of around 100–150 individuals linked to the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), which it described as ideologically associated with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), arrived at the venue and allegedly disrupted the programme.

AISF claimed that posters and banners were vandalised, including those bearing images of Bhagat Singh and Hari Singh Gour, and that its members were physically assaulted. It further alleged that students who had travelled from outside the state were targeted with ideological abuse. The statement also raised concerns over what it described as a passive response from the university administration and police during the incident.

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AISF: Demands probe and campus safety

Calling the episode “a direct assault on democratic values and ideological diversity,” AISF demanded immediate identification and legal action against those involved, a fair and time-bound inquiry, clarification from the university regarding alleged security lapses, assurances of safety and democratic rights for all student organisations on campus, and the creation of an academic environment that promotes ideological diversity and scientific temper.

The organisation reiterated its commitment to student unity, democracy and secular values, stating that ideological differences must be resolved through debate and discussion rather than violence. It asserted that attempts to impose “ideological domination” through force would be collectively resisted.

There has been no official response yet from the university administration or the ABVP regarding the allegations.