Matribhumi Samachar English
BENGALURU – The Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) has issued a strong condemnation regarding the detention of its activists following a protest at Azim Premji University (APU). The protest was sparked by a session titled “Remember Kunan Poshpora,” organized by a group called ‘SPARK’ on February 24, 2026.
Protest Against “Derogatory” Remarks
According to a press release from ABVP Karnataka, the SPARK session allegedly included remarks that portrayed the Indian Army in an “extremely derogatory manner” and were “deeply disrespectful” to the armed forces. ABVP activists gathered at the university to demand accountability from the administration and action against the organizers. However, police intervened at the site and detained the Karyakarthas (activists).
Concerns Over Recurring Campus Activities
The student organization claims this is not an isolated incident at APU. They allege that over the past few years, the group SPARK has organized several programs of an “anti-national nature,” including:
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Discussions related to Pro-Kashmir separatism.
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Events expressing solidarity with individuals accused of extremist activities.
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Pro-Naxal lectures.
ABVP also expressed concern that certain university staff members may be supporting these activities within the academic space.
Official Demands and Statements
Shri Gopi Rangaswamy, State Secretary of ABVP Karnataka South, criticized the Karnataka Police for detaining activists instead of taking action against those who allegedly insulted the soldiers. “The protest was meant to uphold the honour of the Indian Armed Forces,” Rangaswamy stated, calling the police action “unjust”.
The ABVP has formally urged the Karnataka Police and State Government to:
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Immediately release the detained Karyakarthas.
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Arrest and take action against administrators and staff involved in insulting the armed forces.
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Conduct a transparent inquiry into the content and permissions of the SPARK event.
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Ensure campus platforms are not used to promote extremism or disrespect national sentiments.
The organization concluded by calling on civil society to ensure that academic spaces remain balanced and foster national unity.
