Clash between student groups sparks tension at Andhra University

Visakhapatnam: Tension prevailed on Andhra University campus on Wednesday following a clash between two student groups. ABVP members staged protests in the morning, alleging that AISF and SFI students physically attacked Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) sevaks participating in the evening shakha on Tuesday. At the same time, AISF and SFI students arrived at the university to submit a representation to officials, claiming that they had, in fact, been attacked by the RSS-backed group. The confrontation created a tense atmosphere, with heated arguments between the two sides.AISF Visakhapatnam district general secretary U Nagaraju said a petition was earlier submitted to the vice-chancellor regarding recent activities on campus that allegedly incite religious hatred in violation of university regulations. "However, outsiders associated with the RSS infiltrated the university and used it as a platform for their activities, disrupting the peaceful environment and provoking religious tensions among students. When some students opposed these actions, they were attacked. We demand that the university administration take immediate and appropriate action," demanded Nagaraju.Meanwhile, AP BJP unit president PVN Madhav alleged that communist groups attacked the RSS shakha at Andhra University. "The groups suddenly attacked the swayamsevaks while the evening shakha was in progress. We demand the immediate arrest of everyone involved in the incident. RSS is a nationalist organisation, and attacking its members amounts to height of lawlessness," Madhav said.