JNU campus in Delhi marred by 'Bhagwa Jalega' and 'Free Kashmir' graffitis

Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), long associated with academic vigour and political activism, finds itself mired in controversy once more, this time as a series of deeply troubling graffiti messages deface its campus walls in the national capital. The incident has been reported in the early hours of Sunday.

The offensive graffiti, first identified in the School of Language on the JNU campus, carries messages that are not only inflammatory but also deeply divisive. These images, now widely shared on social media platforms, include brazen slogans such as "Bhagwa Jalega" (Saffron will burn), "Free Kashmir," and "Free IoK" (Indian Occupied Kashmir) etched onto the walls.

Yet again #JNU #Leftist #Jawaharlalnehruunuversity #JNU pic.twitter.com/qvwfhC1KAf

— Babasaheb (@bebesahab)

Among the offensive inscriptions, there are instances where the words "NRC" (National Register of Citizens) and "CAA" (Citizenship Amendment Act) have been conspicuously defaced and crossed out. At this juncture, the identity of the perpetrators behind these offensive acts remains shrouded in mystery, with no individual or group coming forward to claim responsibility. Also, authorities have not issued any statement as of now regarding the development.

It is imperative to note that this is not the first time that such controversial graffiti has marred the JNU campus. In 2022, anti-Brahmin graffiti surfaced on the walls of the university, bearing messages such as "Brahmins leave the campus" and "Go back to Sakhas". These incidents underscore a pattern of provocative actions that have plagued the institution, further fueling concerns over the erosion of decorum and academic values within the campus.

Reacting to the fresh development at the JNU, ABVP Secretary Vikas Patel stated, "We will submit a memorandum to the administration regarding this. We have been demanding since the beginning that CCTV cameras must be installed in the campus. However, due to opposition from some leftist parties, they are not being installed. Slogans like 'Free Kashmir' and 'Indian Occupied Kashmir' are written inside." Dr Pravesh Kumar, professor at SIS, JNU, called the JNU graffiti incident "condemnable"."It is condemnable. These incidents tarnish the image of the JNU," the professor said.

Later in the day, the authorties painted the walls that were defaced by the inflammatory slogans with white paint.