Aligarh:
The Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) was reduced to a battleground on Friday night after two rival student groups clashed with each other, using stones, bricks and even guns.
By morning, eight students were in the university hospital, many being treated for gunshot injuries. One of them is critical.
The Dean ordered the university to be closed sine die ordering about 30 thousand students to vacate the hostel and leave the university within 48 hours.
"This is what happens when teaching and politics get intermingled," said Abhikesh Singh, a first year Medical student at the university.
After the clashes, an uneasy calm has engulfed the Aligarh Muslim University, but there are remnants of the pitched battle involving stones, bricks and even firing. While a majority of students are leaving, a handful of them are saying that they will stay back and defy the ban.
The university is hoping that it can persuade them but says if they don't go, then they have enough police to deal with them as well.
"At any cost we will not allow the university to shut down. If hey compel us we will have to appeal to the Centre," said student leader Nazim.
This is the third time in almost five years that the AMU has been closed sine die, holding the future of thousands to ransom.
"We will try our best to do our preparation but not sure how much preparation we will be able to do," said a student.
"It will be impossible... what can teachers do to make up for the lost time?" said Madd-Ur-Rehman, Senior English Professor.
So far, the police have yet to make any arrests.