Three Kashmiri students from a private university in Greater Noida have alleged that fellow students misbehaved with them and forced them to shout anti-Pakistan slogans, drawing a sharp reaction from the Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister who said the Uttar Pradesh authorities should admit to their “inability” or “unwillingness” in protecting students.
The latest incident comes two month after over > 60 Kashmiri students were expelled from a university in Meerut after cheering for Pakistan cricket team during an Asia Cup match against India.
A Kashmiri student, who is studying at the Noida International University, said that a group of five-six boys in inebriated state allegedly thrashed and abused them.
“They knocked at my door late night. When I did not answer, they barged in. They were five-six drunk boys standing outside. They started abusing us and then asked who amongst us were Kashmiris.
“When I told them that there were three of us who are Kashmiris, they started abusing us and thrashed us. This has happened before,” the student said.
The Kashmiri students were asked to shout India Zindabad and then were asked to repeat Pakistan Murdabad . “When I asked them why I should do it, they abused us again and called me a terrorist,” the student alleged.
Reacting to the incident, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said on Twitter, “If the universities or state authorities can’t protect Kashmiri students coming there then man up & admit your inability or unwillingness.”
In a sarcastic remark, Mr. Abdullah said beating patriotism into these students would not remove any fear of sense of alienation among the Kashmiris.
“Let’s beat patriotism in to Kashmiri students, why don’t we. Great way to remove any fear or sense of alienation among Kashmiris. Thugs!!!” he tweeted.
Mr. Abdullah further tweeted, “I’m sending the Resident Commissioner from Delhi to visit the university in question to ascertain all the facts before deciding the next step.”
Two months back, over >60 students of Swami Vivekananda Subharti University in Meerut were expelled from the hostel after they had supported Pakistan cricket team against India in the Asia Cup match.
Published - May 05, 2014 05:04 pm IST