ABVP, SFI Activists Clash At HPU In Shimla, Several Students Injured

September 19, 2026

Shimla: A clash broke out between activists of the Students’ Federation of India (SFI) and the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) at Himachal Pradesh University (HPU) in Shimla on Saturday morning, leaving several students injured.

The incident took place around 8:30 am near the Summer Hill area, where activists of the two student organisations came face-to-face. An argument between the groups reportedly escalated into a physical confrontation. Videos of the clash have also surfaced on social media, showing police personnel attempting to separate the activists.

Early reports said two students were injured, including one who reportedly suffered a head injury. Later reports said several students were injured, with an ABVP campus leader claiming that around five ABVP activists sustained injuries. The exact number and condition of all injured students were not immediately clear.

ABVP, SFI Trade Allegations Over Clash

The two student organisations have accused each other of starting the confrontation.

ABVP campus president Akshay Thakur alleged that SFI activists attacked ABVP workers who were present near the university gate to welcome new students. He claimed that weapons were used in the assault and that around five ABVP activists were injured.

SFI rejected the allegation and claimed that some ABVP activists had allegedly made inappropriate remarks towards an SFI woman activist on Friday evening. SFI alleged that ABVP workers subsequently attacked its activists with weapons on Saturday. These allegations have not been independently established.

Additional Police Force Deployed At HPU

Police personnel intervened to bring the situation under control, while additional security forces were deployed on the university campus following the clash. A Quick Response Team (QRT) was also deployed as the situation remained tense.

Both student organisations have indicated that they would approach the police with complaints. Police are investigating the incident, and further details regarding any cases or action against those involved were awaited in the latest reports.

The immediate cause of the confrontation and responsibility for initiating the violence will be clearer after the police investigation.