Delhi University attacks: Students change Facebook profiles worldwide in solidarity against far-right violence

Voilence is thought to have been carried out by Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (the All Indian Students Council) or ABVP

Indian students from Delhi University and Jawaharlal Nehru University shout slogans as they march behind a banner during a rally in New Delh (DOMINIQUE FAGET/AFP/Getty Images)

Students around the globe are changing their Facebook profile pictures in solidarity with the victims of the alleged far-right attacks at Delhi University, India.

The violence took place in February and is said to have been carried out by far-right group Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (the All Indian Students Council) or ABVP.

ABVP is an affiliate of the far-right Hindu organisation Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), and was accused of assaulting both students and teachers at the university.

"The goons should be arrested as soon as possible," an undergraduate student at Aurobindo College of Delhi University told Al Jazeera.

The violence has ignited a debate on free speech in India which is now resonating abroad among students in the USA, the UK and across Europe.

Students from Delhi University and Jawaharlal Nehru University also marched against the nationalist group.

“In solidarity with the students of Delhi University, who have bravely resisted the fascist forces at their gates, and their valiant teachers, who, despite being dragged through the streets, beaten and bruised, stood their ground to protect the universal values of democracy,” a joint statement from students said, according to The India Times.

“Separated by time and space, we could not be there when they were attacked. But history connects us,” it continued.