On July 22, 2025, members of the All Nepal National Free Students Union (ANNFSU) and the Nepal Students’ Union (NSU) clashed at Sudurpaschim University ahead of the Free Student Union (FSU) elections.

On July 21, independent students locked the door to the FSU election office the day before nominations were due, demanding a fairer and more inclusive electoral system, the replacement of the election officer, and the repeal of newly revised election rules.

ANNFSU members arrived the following day to file their nominations and removed the lock, sparking a physical confrontation with the NSU. NSU representatives alleged that ANNFSU students threw petrol at them while they were discussing election concerns with the university administration. In response, ANNFSU leaders accused the NSU of attempting to rig the election under the guise of supporting independent protesters, calling the lock an obstruction of democratic rights. Three students were injured in the clash, and police disperse students with batons to restore order.

Scholars at Risk is concerned about violent clashes between student groups on campus. Scholars at Risk calls on all parties to exercise restraint and to avoid violence. State authorities have the right and obligation to maintain order, which they must with due regard for the rights of protesters and others, including the rights to free expression, academic freedom, peaceful assembly, and due process.

Sources:
*SAR identified this incident in data made publicly available by the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project (ACLED)
https://ekantipur.com/pradesh-7/2025/07/22/en/sudurpaschim-university-postponed-due-to-clashes-during-the-nomination-of-swabiyu-elections-52-15.html
https://dineshkhabar.com/article/123160