JNU Students' 'Long March' to MOE Turns Violent: JNUSU President Aditi Mishra Among 14 Arrested After Clashes with Delhi Police

New Delhi- Thousands of Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) students attempting a "Long March" from the campus to the Ministry of Education (MoE) on February 26 were stopped by heavy police deployment, leading to violent clashes, injuries on both sides, and the detention of over 50 protesters. JNUSU President Aditi Mishra, along with other key student leaders, was among those arrested as protests escalated over demands for the Vice-Chancellor's removal and implementation of UGC equity regulations.

The march, called by the Jawaharlal Nehru University Students' Union (JNUSU) from Sabarmati T-Point on campus, aimed to press four core demands: immediate implementation of the University Grants Commission (Promotion of Equity in Higher Education Institutions) Regulations, 2026; enactment of the proposed Rohith Act against caste-based discrimination; resignation of JNU Vice-Chancellor Santishree Dhulipudi Pandit over her alleged "casteist" remarks; and restoration of funding for public universities.

Tensions at JNU have simmered for weeks following Pandit's February 16 podcast appearance on "The Sunday Guardian," where she criticised the UGC equity regulations as "irrational," "unnecessary," and an example of "wokeism." She reportedly described mobilisations by Dalits and backward classes as rooted in "permanent victimhood," remarks that students and faculty groups labelled as casteist and insensitive. The UGC regulations, stayed by the Supreme Court last month, seek to address caste-based discrimination in higher education.

The protests gained momentum after the rustication of five JNUSU office-bearers including President Aditi Mishra, Vice-President Gopika K. Babu, General Secretary Sunil Yadav, Joint Secretary Danish Ali, and former President Nitish Kumar over alleged vandalism at the Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Central Library in November 2025. The university imposed a two-semester campus ban and ₹20,000 fine each, citing damage to facial recognition gates and injuries to security staff.

Earlier marches, including a "Samta March" on February 22, saw thousands reject the VC's statements and demand her apology and removal. The Long March to MoE on February 26 was announced as an escalation.

The Clash and Police Action

By noon on February 26, around 400-500 students gathered despite the JNU administration and Delhi Police denying permission for any off-campus protest. Multiple layers of barricades, Rapid Action Force (RAF) deployment, and locked campus gates prevented the march from proceeding.

According to Delhi Police, students broke through the main gate around 3 PM, damaged barricades, pelted sticks, banners, and shoes at officers, and physically assaulted personnel including biting several. South-West DCP Amit Goel stated that 20-25 police officers, including senior officials like the ACP Vasant Kunj and SHOs, were injured. An FIR at Vasant Kunj North PS was registered against the protesters for assault and obstruction.

Students, however, alleged unprovoked police brutality. Eyewitness accounts and videos circulating on social media showed lathi-charges near the gate, with protesters including women being dragged, clothes torn, and injured. Several claimed police snatched a portrait of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar during the scuffle. "This was not detention; it was kidnapping," said student activists, accusing forces of targeting leaders selectively.

Over 50 students were initially detained and shifted to Kapashera Police Station, Vasant Kunj North, and reports also mentioned Jaffarpur Kalan. Many, including women students, sought medical attention for injuries.

Tension prevails in campus

Early on February 27, Delhi Police confirmed the arrest of 14 individuals in connection with the violence. The arrested include: Aditi Mishra, JNUSU President, Nitish Kumar, former President, Gopika Babu, Vice-President, Danish Ali, Joint Secretary.

Heavy police deployment continued around the campus on Friday morning. JNUSU and allied groups, including AISA and SFI, called for a gherao of Vasant Kunj Police Station on the night of February 26, demanding immediate release of all detainees. The JNU Teachers' Association (JNUTA) condemned the police action as an attack on democratic rights and urged the government to address students' concerns rather than suppress protests.

The university administration issued a statement describing the demands for UGC implementation as a violation of the Supreme Court stay order and accused protesters of focusing on "false allegations" against the VC instead of academics. It termed the attack on the VC "deplorable."

Protests are expected to continue, with student groups vowing intensified agitation until their demands including revocation of rustications and the VC's resignation are met.