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Punjab University campus tense after employee’s death

By Ali Waqar

LAHORE: Tension gripped Punjab University (PU) on Wednesday after a hostel employee was killed in crossfire between police and Islami Jamiat Talaba (IJT) activists during a protest by the latter against the caricatures of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) published by several European newspapers. The IJT protested outside PU new campus’ main gate.

Teachers, students and the university’s administration were tense and did not comment over the incident or on who was responsible. “I have nothing to say. I am not in a position to comment on the issue,” PU Registrar Lt Col (r) Mustansar Javaid told Daily Times before the funeral of the hostel employee (Rizwan), which was held at the university cricket ground. PU Vice Chancellor Lt Gen (r) Arshad Mehmood also refused to comment.

Sources told Daily Times that the VC stayed in his office during the protest. He did not come out even when police baton charged, used tear gas and started shooting at the students, sources said, adding that that was when the IJT activists started throwing stones at police. Sources said the VC got to the main gate half an hour after the incident occurred. Later, he left his office in panic and PU’s administration was asked to wind up and leave the campus as soon as possible, especially before Rizwan’s funeral.

Sources also said the VC had earlier addressed the IJT rally near the Biochemistry and Biotechnology Department on campus and expressed solidarity with the IJT over the issue. Sources quoted the VC as saying that all Muslims were united over the caricature issue and that ‘blasphemy’ would not be tolerated.

Sources also said the IJT had not sought permission from the PU administration to take out the rally. However, officials concerned said the university did not interrupt the schedule because of the nature of the issue over which the rally was being taken out. The incident has hampered routine campus life, as the IJT has said it will protest till Rizwan’s death is investigated.

Soon after the rally, the shopping centre and mini-shopping centres on campus were shut and students started leaving their departments as teachers announced the end of classes. Female students faced numerous problems because police had blocked all roads leading to the campus for about six hours. Many students and teachers including IJT activists gathered outside Hostel 18, where Rizwan’s body was kept and Qazi Hussain Ahmed, Jamaat-e-Islami chief, led the funeral. Attendance at the university is expected to be thin today (Thursday).

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