On August 28, 2025, members of the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) reportedly clashed with members of the National Students’ Union of India (NSUI) during an event at Cachar College about alleged “vote theft.”

The Indian National Congress had recently launched a nationwide campaign titled “Vote Chor, Gaddi Chhod” (Vote Thieves, Vacate the Seat). The initiative aimed to address alleged electoral misconduct and “vote theft” in recent elections. As the student wing of the Congress, NSUI members held an event at Cachar College, setting up a table and chairs outside a campus building.

Members of the ABVP reportedly attempted to disrupt the event by throwing stones and bricks at NSUI members, leading to fistfights and scuffles. Police intervened to disperse the crowd and restore order. Several students sustained injuries during the clash, with one requiring hospitalization.

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://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/guwahati/student-groups-members-clash-at-cachar-college-event-several-injured/articleshow/123570727.cms
https://www.pratidintime.com/top-stories/assam-nsui-abvp-clash-at-cachar-college-several-students-injured-9764397