Attack on JNU students was government supported: Congress

The Congress has reacted sharply over attack on the JNU students in the national capital, saying the central government was 'intolerant' and the anti-social elements attacking the students had its support.

New Delhi: Reacting sharply over the unprovoked attack on JNU students by unidentified elements last evening, the Congress on Monday accused the Narendra Modi government of being 'intolerant', saying it was trying to suppress 'independent views' over the matters of national importance.

"What we are witnessing for the last one month is, an intolerant government suppressing independent views," Congress general secretary K C Venugopal told media persons here.

He further stated that independent voices are a strength of India but the Modi government has been 'intolerant' against people raising their concern over the newly amended citizenship act.

The Congress leader also raised question over the role of the city police, asking where was it when 'gundas' (anti-social elements) entered the JNU campus.

"What is happening in the national capital? Why the police did not take any action...there was a law and order situation in the city," he said, adding that all these anti-social elements have the support of the government.

"If the government thinks it would be able to suppress people with independent views, then it's mistaken," the Congress leader said, asking what the provocation was and why the students were attacked?

Venugopal also demanded a judicial inquiry into the incident, saying the Congress stands by the innocent students.

Also, read: West Bengal, Kerala CMs condemn violence at JNU