Prayagraj- Tensions over the University Grants Commission (Promotion of Equity in Higher Education Institutions) Regulations, 2026 boiled over into a clash on the University of Allahabad campus, where members of the Disha Student Organization allege they were attacked while peacefully discussing or studying in support of the rules.

According to Disha Student Organization, a group of their members was gathered under the campus's banyan tree when individuals reportedly linked to ABVP (Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad) and Bajrang Dal allegedly launched a planned assault. The attackers are accused of using casteist slurs and physical violence with sticks, resulting in serious injuries to several students.

A student named Sanjay recounted that while they were studying on campus, a group suddenly attacked them, causing injuries to many. Another student claimed that when some girls tried to stop the mob from violence, the attackers hurled slurs and abused them. The victims complained that in a university where entry is strictly permitted only through identity cards, such goons enter the campus on their four wheelers without any check and create ruckus which shows the kind of patronage and protection they enjoy.

Disha described the incident as ideologically driven violence rooted in opposition to their advocacy for the UGC equity norms, rather than a random dispute. They emphasized that the assault targeted their support for measures aimed at addressing caste-based discrimination in higher education.

The injured students approached Colonelganj Police Station to file a complaint. Disha members claimed police initially declined to register an FIR, did not conduct required medico-legal examinations (MLC) for the victims, and seemed to favor the alleged perpetrators. This, they argued, showed partiality and neglected constitutional responsibilities.

Following repeated complaints, the Station House Officer (SHO) directed an Investigating Officer (IO) to inquire into the matter.

Disha Student Organization issued a firm demand: Prompt registration of an FIR under relevant provisions, arrest of those responsible, and immediate medical examinations for the injured. They warned that failure to act would lead to a large-scale student movement, with responsibility resting on the administration and government.

UGC Regulations and Campus Divisions

The incident reflects deep divisions triggered by the UGC's 2026 regulations, notified on January 13. These rules require higher education institutions to form equity committees (including SC, ST, OBC representation), establish anti-discrimination mechanisms, and monitor caste-based issues, building on earlier 2012 guidelines but with stronger provisions against discrimination.

Supporters, including many from SC, ST, and OBC communities and groups like Disha, AISA, AIOBCSA see the norms as vital for protecting marginalized students amid reports of harassment and campus suicides linked to caste bias.

Opponents, often from general category students, argue the rules are vague, prone to misuse, lack penalties for false complaints, and unfairly presume guilt while sidelining general category concerns, potentially fostering division rather than unity.

Protests erupted across Uttar Pradesh (including Allahabad University, Lucknow, Varanasi) and other states, with demands to scrap or revise the rules. On January 29, the Supreme Court stayed implementation, citing vagueness and misuse risks, directing continuation of the 2012 rules pending further review.