Violent clashes among student groups led to AMU shutdown

The Aligarh Muslim University has been shut down for indefinite period since 30 April 2011 following violent clashes amongst students on 29 April 2011. The two rival group students opened fire at each other injuring 11 students in the fight. The tussle started at around 11 pm on 29 April 2011 amongst the student leading to indefinite shutdown at AMU.

The reason behind the clash is alleged to be the rumbling discontent among student groups since the students’ union elections in January. The discontent exploded after an argument over the change of address in admission form. A staff member in the examination controller’s office is alleged for assaulting the student leader, Mushtaq Ahmad, on 28 April 2011.

The beating up of the student leader triggered the clash between the student groups in a nearby market which closed amid incidents of firing and brick batting. It further continued in proctor office after a group of students complained about the clashes leading to second row of stone batting and firing.

While a strong police body has been deployed in the campus after the clashes, the University campus has been called off for indefinite period. In addition, Rahat Abrar, AMU spokesperson has issued order to students to vacate al hostels within next 48 hours.

This is the third indefinite close of AMU campus during the four-year tenure of vice chancellor Prof PK Abdul Azis, who is currently in Kerala.