Hyderabad: The Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) unit at University of Hyderabad (HCU) has issued a strong condemnation following an incident linked to a student drama performance, alleging that the play insulted Hindu religious sentiments and led to violence on campus.
According to the ABVP, the controversy began when students from the Theatre Arts Department staged a drama that allegedly portrayed Hindu community, culture, religion, and civilisation in a disrespectful manner. The student organisation claimed that those involved in the performance were fully aware of the nature of the content but proceeded with the play with the support of certain faculty members. ABVP stated that it raised the matter with university authorities immediately after the performance, but no action was taken. It further alleged that the same drama was staged again, which it said aggravated concerns among students and contributed to a sense of division on campus.
In response, ABVP karyakartas organised a peaceful and democratic protest against the content of the play. However, according to the ABVP, its members were attacked and injured by individuals associated with the Students’ Federation of India (SFI) and other Left-affiliated groups. ABVP termed the incident an unacceptable act of violence within an academic environment.
ABVP HCU Unit President Ayush Singh stated that while the organisation supports freedom of expression, such expression should not come at the cost of hurting the sentiments of any community or promoting disrespect towards cultural values. He emphasised that the student community had been hurt by the incident and reiterated the organisation’s condemnation.
Unit Secretary Antony Basumatary said that several ABVP karyakartas sustained injuries in the alleged attack and are currently undergoing medical treatment. He further criticised SFI, calling on it to end what he described as violent politics, and asserted that such actions disrupt campus harmony and peace.
The incident has added to tensions on campus, with ABVP demanding accountability and appropriate action from university authorities.
