Daily Times

An inquiry report compiled by the intelligence agencies about the regular clashes among the rival groups at the Bahahuddin Zakariya University (BZU) was sent, on Monday, to the Punjab Chief Minister Usman Ahmad Khan Buzdar, Punjab Governor Chauhdry Sarwar and other higher authorities.

The clashes among the two student groups namely Peoples Students Federation and Baloch Students Council became a routine matter at the BZU Multan. As many as 16 students were seriously injured in five clashes occurred in the last one week. As a result of firing outside the Umar Hall at the BZU, four students of Baloch Students Council and two students of Peoples Students Federation were seriously injured.

A day earlier, a video of a student Mohammad Tauseef went viral in which he was brutally tortured by a group of students as a result of which the victim’s nose and leg fractured. After the incident, the Punjab CM took notice of the video and ordered submission of an inquiry report.

The inquiry report mentioned that the police registered three cases of the incident and arrested a few students who were later set free owing to the political pressure. Five employees of the university, who were in contact with these groups and assisted them, were also mentioned in the report. It was also stated in the report that incessant scuffles between rival groups created panic and difficulties for other students as well.

Dr Muqarrab Akbar, the Resident Officer at BZU told the media that the university had decided to take stern action against outsiders at the university. He told that in the report, the names and addresses of outsiders belonging to the Peoples Students Federation and Baloch Students Council and those who were giving patronage to them, were mentioned. Telling about the reason of regular clashes, Muaqarrab told that both the groups wanted to establish their control at the university and the administration was completely aware of such disturbing elements. He told that the security had been put on high alert and strict action would be taken against those students who were involved in negative activities.

Sources told that both the rival groups enjoyed the support of political leaders and despite many efforts by the university administration; these students were not kicked out of the university hostels.

Meanwhile, taking action over the complaint of tortured-student Khaleel Ahmad, the police registered an FIR against 23 members of students’ organizations under section 337-A, 337-F, 148 and 149 of Pakistan Penal code. Ahmad told police that he was present in the Umar Hall, when a group of armed students from the rival group attacked him. However, no suspect was arrested yet.

The police further told that raids were being conducted in the hostels and surrounding areas of university to arrest the suspects.

The parents and civil society members demanded Punjab Governor Chauhdry Sarwar to take strict action against the university administration which had failed to maintain law and order at the university. Maroof Naeemullah, a civil society activist, said that over 500 security staff was present at the university and they were equipped with latest security equipment including patrolling bikes but they had failed miserably to control a handful of students belonging to two rival groups.

Published in Daily Times, September 11^th 2018.