NEW DELHI: A fresh controversy erupted on Tuesday after alleged late-night sloganeering inside the Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) campus triggered sharp reactions from several quarters, including the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP). In a strongly worded statement, VHP’s International President, Alok Kumar, condemned what he described as an “alarming erosion of sanctity” within premier academic institutions and warned the public to remain wary of “grave‑diggers operating from within educational spaces.”
Calling the incident a reminder of “internal threats,” Kumar concluded that sustained vigilance remains essential to safeguard the nation’s freedom and democratic fabric.
According to Kumar, the latest disturbance was sparked by anger over the recent denial of bail to Delhi riots accused Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam. The VHP leader highlighted the Supreme Court’s observations in the matter, noting that the apex court had reportedly found “direct and corroborative evidence” suggesting the involvement of both accused individuals in the 2020 Delhi violence. He further emphasized that the court had also drawn attention to what it termed their “central and key role” in a broader conspiracy linked to the orchestrated attacks that targeted Hindus during the unrest.
Kumar reiterated that both Khalid and Imam face charges relating to conspiracy against India’s unity and territorial integrity—offences he described as “heinous by every democratic standard.” He urged citizens to await the full trial process, asserting that the courtroom would provide the accused an appropriate platform to prove their innocence, rather than attempts to exert pressure from the streets or university campuses.
Condemning the incident at JNU, Kumar called the late-night act of slogan-shouting “shameful and cowardly,” stressing that a handful of individuals had sought to disturb the academic environment instead of exercising restraint. The university administration has reportedly filed an FIR, and Kumar demanded a thorough investigation followed by strict action against those responsible.
Reaffirming the boundaries of free speech, the VHP President stated that democracy and freedom of expression do not amount to a “license for misconduct,” adding that slogans invoking imagery of grave‑digging are not only indecent but fall squarely within criminal intent.
Invoking the court’s observations, Kumar highlighted that the prosecution presented direct and corroborative material linking the accused to a broader conspiracy behind the orchestrated violence. He stressed that such allegations—pertaining to India’s unity and territorial integrity—should be tested in a court of law rather than in campus protests.