Palestine Zindabad on diwali: Tensions rise at Jamia Millia Islamia as clashes erupt during celebrations

A commotion broke out at Delhi's Jamia Millia Islamia on Tuesday night amidst Diwali festivities, as two groups clashed during a campus event. The incident, which occurred after a rangoli competition, led to the deployment of police around the university.

According to footage circulating online, one group allegedly disrupted the event by chanting slogans. Some students claimed that the group shouted "Palestine Zindabad" while interrupting the Diwali celebrations.

The altercation took place during the annual Diwali event organised by the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), the student wing of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Tensions escalated when some individuals reportedly vandalised the rangolis created by students and kicked off lit diyas, sparking a scuffle between the groups.

Radical Islamists at Jamia Millia Islamia University in Delhi disrupted the Diwali celebration event on campus and chanted slogans of 'Allahu Akbar' and 'Palestine Zindabad.' pic.twitter.com/VyPMKhCI9M

— Anshul Saxena (@AskAnshul) October 22, 2024

"The incident occurred around 7:30-8 pm near gate 7," said Southeast Delhi Deputy Commissioner of Police Ravi Kumar. He added that the ABVP-affiliated students were setting up diyas and rangolis when another group became displeased and destroyed the decorations, which led to both sides engaging in sloganeering.

Videos on social media show people arriving at the event, chanting slogans that eventually escalated into a physical altercation. While the exact cause of the clash remains under investigation, the ABVP has issued a statement saying the incident is still being reviewed.

Security forces managed to bring the situation under control, and police have been stationed outside Jamia Millia Islamia overnight. Further details are awaited as authorities continue their probe into the clash.