Police claimed to have arrested four students, allegedly belonging to Islami Jamiat Taleba (IJT) from the Punjab University Islamic Centre Hostel, on Monday while IJT claims that 12 of their members were picked up.

The arrests were made as a result of the First Investigation Report filed against 200 unknown persons after IJT allegedly gatecrashed a Pakhtun cultural event and tried to halt the proceedings on March 21.

On the other hand three students, allegedly belonging to IJT were allegedly 'disturbed' by a group of Pukhtun students while sitting for an exam at the Sociology department of Punjab University, university sources told DawnNews.

As a result of this, police immediately escorted the three students out of the university premises after the administration assured that they will be able to sit for the exam later, university sources said.

Meanwhile, both sides have planned to hold protests outside the university, where the IJT will be taking a procession to PU's Gate 1 while the Pukhtun students will be protesting at Gate 2 of the premises.

Classes had resumed on campus, even with thin attendance, four days after IJT allegedly gatecrashed a Pakhtun cultural event and tried to halt the proceedings, a spokesperson at the university confirmed.

At least ten students were injured in the ensuing clash between rival student groups last week. A heavy contingent of police had intervened and used tear gas to disperse the violent crowd.

The spokesperson said that conditions at the university have returned to "normal" after the incident.

He added that an inquiry into the incident is still on-going.

A day after the clash broke out between IJT and Pakhtun students, Punjab Police registered a case against 'unidentified students' of the university for violence on campus.

Describing the scene of the clash witnessed upon arrival by the police, the FIR said "around 150 to 200 students were attacking each other with sticks and batons and chanting abusive slogans."

History of intimidation

The IJT is a right-wing student body that often operates in university campuses across the country as the de facto moral police. IJT members have in the past objected to Valentine's Day celebrations and the playing of music at certain cultural events.

University administration officials have also complained to Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif about the "Jamiat's negative activities on the university campus".