Kashif Ahmed Faraz for BeyondHeadlines
Several students protested against the harassment and eviction of Kashmiri students in Swami Vivekanand Subharti University, Meerut and the slapping of sedition charges against 67 Kashmiri students.
The protesters included activists, students from universities, mostly from JNU and Kashmiri Students. They protested at UP Bhawan, New Delhi on 7 March.
“Kashmiri students were beaten up when they celebrated the victory of Pakistan cricket team, to which they retaliated. Following this, 67 Kashmiri students were suspended for 3 days from the University and were even asked to evacuate their hostels. This situation left them with no other option but to return to Kashmir for three days with their luggage. This is a shocking display of majoritarianism which seeks to turn even sports and culture into spaces of communal warmongering,” said Akbar from AISA.
Umar Khalid from DSU raised the question on freedom of expression. Pointing Narendra Modi he said, “The person who was responsible for genocide and mass rapes in Gujarat is free to spread his hatred agenda everywhere in the country. The person, who should be behind the bars, is the PM candidate; which shows that the only political class enjoys the freedom of expression in India.” He further opined “If Kashmiri students cheer for any nation against Indian Team then our nation must introspect itself for the reason. In response to their right to self-determination, the atrocities are the only answer they get by the Army and the Indian Government.”
Another social activist and a student of JNU Shehla Rashid said, “It is sad that the university authorities as well as the police have internalised the Sanghi agenda and are dancing to the tune of the communal fascists in anticipation of the master-rioter Narendra Modi’s ascent to throne.”
“Our protest is not just against this particular incidence that happened in a Meerut university, but also against the AFSPA, the forced disappearance, the mass murder and mass rapes in Kashmir” she added.
During the protest, the saffron activists clashed with the protesters. A person who claimed himself Member of Parliament cited slogans “Bharat Mata ki Jai” and used abusive language to the protestors. In response to them Kashmiri Student cited the slogan of “Azadi”. Later Police pushed the protestors to vacate the venue.
Protesters chanting “Stop Fanning Majoritorian Jingoism” were seen with placards in their hands reading “Immediate roll back the expulsion “.
[box type=”info” align=”aligncenter” ]Update: The sedition charges against the Kashmiri students of Swami Vivekanand Subharti University were dropped, but they remain suspended.[/box]
