Aligarh Muslim University: Attempted mob lynching of Hindu students during Holi celebration by Islamists

On the eve of Holi, a celebration traditionally cherished by Hindus, a distressing incident unfolded at Aligarh Muslim University. Hindu students, seeking to mark the festive occasion in peace and camaraderie, were met with hostility and violence from extremist elements within the campus community.

Despite duly informing the administration and receiving permission to celebrate Holi within the campus grounds, Hindu students encountered resistance from individuals espousing extremist ideologies late into the night. Intimidation tactics were employed, threatening the students against participating in the festivities, citing unfounded objections against the celebration of Holi within the campus premises.

As tensions escalated, the morning of March 21 witnessed a premeditated assault on Hindu students gathered at the designated Athletic ground. A mob of approximately 400 individuals, comprising both students and outsiders, launched a brutal attack armed with illegal weapons such as automatic pistols, “desi-guns” (tamancha), and sticks. The assailants mercilessly beat and verbally abused the Hindu students, with reports of sexual assault and harassment against female students emerging amidst the chaos.

Eyewitnesses attest to the passive stance adopted by the administration, including the Proctor, who remained silent bystanders during the ordeal, raising questions about their complicity or negligence in preventing the violence.

Several students sustained severe injuries and required hospitalization due to the ferocity of the attack. One female student, recounting the harrowing experience, expressed dismay at being subjected to such brutality during what was meant to be a joyous celebration. She highlighted the systemic discrimination faced by minority Hindu students, resonating with sentiments shared by others within the community who feel marginalized and relegated to second-class students in the campus.

This incident underscores a troubling trend of religious intolerance and discrimination, wherein minority communities are targeted and subjected to violence based on their beliefs.