On the auspicious occasion of Mahashivratri, a significant number of students at South Asian University observed fasting. Respecting their religious faith, these students had requested the mess administration in advance to arrange satvik food for them on this special day. After discussing the matter with the mess in charge, approximately 110 students confirmed their need for fast-appropriate food. Accepting this request, the university arranged satvik meals in one of the two mess halls, ensuring that students could eat in accordance with their religious beliefs.
However, it is extremely unfortunate that Left goons deliberately attempted to disrupt religious harmony. While satvik food was being served in the mess, individuals associated with SFI forcefully tried to serve non-vegetarian food. When fasting students peacefully resisted, these anti-social elements not only ignored their plea but also started coercing them, eventually resorting to assault. This act is not just an attack on the religious sentiments of the students but also a deliberate attempt to disturb the peace of the university.
Anshul Sharma, a student at SAU, stated, “I personally witnessed the situation and how it was intentionally escalated. The university administration had already made proper arrangements to ensure that no one faced inconvenience. However, some individuals could not tolerate this and attempted to hurt the religious sentiments of fasting students. When students protested peacefully, they were subjected to abuse, insults, and physical assaults. The victims have lodged an official complaint with the university proctor and demand a proper investigation. The administration must ensure that such incidents are not repeated in the future and that the culprits are punished accordingly.”
ABVP Delhi State Secretary Sarthak Sharma stated, “Every student has the right to follow their religious beliefs and traditions, and this right should be respected. When the university administration itself arranged for satvik food in the mess, trying to forcibly serve non-vegetarian food is not only insensitive but also ideological terrorism. Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad strongly condemns this act and demands that the administration take strict action against those Leftist goons who disrupted the harmonious atmosphere, hurt the religious sentiments of fasting students, and committed violence against ordinary students.”