At least 15 Hindu students were injured on Monday when Islami Jamiat Tulba (IJT) activists attacked them at Punjab University’s new campus when they were celebrating Holi.
According to the details, members of the Hindu community and the council organized a Holi celebration after getting permission from the university administration. After students posted invitations [Holi celebration] on their Facebook page, IJT activists started hurling threats.
On Monday morning the members of the Sindh Council and Hindu community gathered outside PU law College to celebrate the Holi when the IJT activists carrying guns and batons attacked them.
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15 students from Hindu community and Sindh Council suffered injuries during clashes and moved away without celebrating the event. Videos of the incident were widely circulated on social media, showing members of the Hindu community being assaulted.
The Sindh Council and Hindu community filed an application with the administration and police to register a case against the IJT activists for torturing them. A PU spokesperson stated that the administration will take action against the students involved in attacking minority community members. Meanwhile, the incident is being widely condemned by netizens on social media.
A Terrible attack by goons on the #Hindu students celebrating #Holi at #Pakistan’s Punjab University & 15 students were injured on Monday.
Strongly condemn the #attack on #minorities. pic.twitter.com/qLN6H0Jd4y
— Chaudhary Parvez (@ChaudharyParvez) March 7, 2023
Shameful attack on Holi celebrations in Punjab University by IJT. It reflects a deep sense of paranoia that stems from our need to expel "impurities" from own past. This sickness will continue unless we accept and celebrate the many histories and cultures that shape our country.
— Ammar Ali Jan (@ammaralijan) March 7, 2023
The Holi, also known as the “festival of colours”, takes place on the last full moon day of the Hindu lunisolar calendar month. The Holi celebrations signal the end of winter and the arrival of spring. Revellers spray coloured powder and water at each other and dance as well as distribute sweets during the celebrations. According to the Hindu calendar, Holi is celebrated on Phalgun Purnima which comes in either the month of February or March.
The Hindu community in Pakistan and worldwide celebrate Holi with traditional and religious fervour. The Sindh government on Monday announced a two-day public holiday in the province for its Hindu employees on account of Holi.
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