LAHORE: As the Punjab University opened on Monday six days after a clash between two student groups, police arrested three students who were nominated in the FIR.

The students had appeared in the exams at the sociology department when the police were alerted that they were allegedly involved in last week violence on the campus. The police managed to nab them. The environment of the campus, however, was tense as the guards allowed students to enter the premises after checking their university cards.

At least 10 students were injured in a clash between Islami Jamiat Tulaba and Pakhtun students on the issue of organising a Pakhtun cultural event on Tuesday last. The Pakhtun students alleged that the IJT attacked their event while the latter claimed otherwise.

Police had registered an FIR against 200 students and so far arrested 25 in connection with violence. Most of the arrested students belong to the IJT.

On Monday, both IJT and Pakhtun students held separate rallies at Bhekaywal Mor and the Campus bridge, respectively, against each other and demanded the varsity administration rid the campus of violence.

The IJT demonstration which included girl students also demanded release of the students saying the police had arrested most of their members at the behest of the administration.

In another move, the varsity administration also banned the media persons from entering the campus.

PU spokesman Khurram Shahzad told Dawn that the administration had been managing things on the campus and for the purpose it had temporarily restricted the entry of journalists which would be lifted shortly.

About the ongoing inquiry into the matter, he said: “Action against the troublemakers will be taken in the light of the inquiry report.”

Published in Dawn, March 28th, 2017