A delegation from Gambia visited the Gujarat University campus in Ahmedabad to discuss safety protocols with the vice-chancellor in the aftermath of an assault on foreign students allegedly for their involvement in prayers within the university's hostel premises, according to a report by news agency PTI.
As per the report, the delegation, representing the High Commission of Gambia in New Delhi, engaged in discussions with the university officials regarding the safety of students, particularly in light of the recent incident that occurred on March 16 at one of the hostel blocks, where nearly 30 students from Gambia are enrolled.
Vice-Chancellor Neerja Gupta stated to PTI that the Gambian delegation expressed contentment with the measures undertaken by the university authorities to ensure student safety post the unfortunate incident.
"This meeting followed the incident involving the attack. They [the delegation] wanted to ensure the safety of their students, given that almost 30 Gambian students are enrolled in our university," Gupta was quoted as saying PTI.
The delegation, comprising a deputy high commissioner, a first secretary, and a student representative, was briefed on the safety protocols implemented by the university administration.
Gupta further said that the Gambian officials acknowledged the efforts made to enhance security and expressed satisfaction with the assurances provided regarding student safety.
On March 16, a group of individuals reportedly disrupted a prayer session at the university hostel, specifically targeting foreign students observing Ramadan, as per PTI sources quoting police statements. The altercation resulted in physical assaults on students from various foreign countries, leading to hospitalization of two students from Sri Lanka and Tajikistan.
In response to the incident, law enforcement authorities registered an FIR against 20 to 25 unidentified individuals under various sections of the Indian Penal Code, including rioting, unlawful assembly, causing hurt, and property damage, among others, PTI reported.
Five people have been apprehended in connection with the attack, PTI reported citing official sources.
The university administration swiftly responded to the incident by relocating foreign students to a designated hostel wing and enlisting the assistance of former servicemen to bolster security measures.
Plans were set in motion to transfer international students to a segregated hostel area allocated for Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) within three days. Additionally, the establishment of a foreign student advisory committee and the deployment of ex-Army personnel were initiated to reinforce security within the hostel premises.