Siliguri, 12th May: Siliguri Polytechnic College campus was engulfed in tension today following a clash between members of two student unions. According to reports, members of Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) had arrived at the college on Thursday to submit a memorandum when they allegedly faced an attack by a few individuals associated with Trinamool Chhatra Parishad (TMCP). In response to the incident, ABVP called for a 12-hour strike at the college.
Early this morning, in light of the clash and the strike, the Siliguri police force was deployed to the scene. However, the tension escalated further as clashes erupted between the two factions, even in the presence of the police. Eventually, the situation was brought under control with police intervention. ABVP members claimed that TMCP members not only damaged their flags and posters but also physically assaulted them, even in the presence of law enforcement. To ensure their safety, ABVP members sought refuge in a nearby shop.
On the other hand, TMCP members accused ABVP of disrupting the peace on the college campus. They refuted the allegations of physical confrontation and instead claimed that ABVP members were wielding sticks while stationed at the college. According to TMCP, ABVP members fled in fear when slogans were raised by their side.