Kashmir students accused of terrorism for ‘celebrating’ India’s World Cup defeat. : Analysis

Authorities in Indian-administered Kashmir have arrested seven students from the Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (SKUAST) for allegedly celebrating India’s loss in the cricket World Cup finals. The students have been charged under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA), a law that has been criticized by rights groups for its draconian nature and its use against political dissenters and Muslim activists. According to a senior police officer, there was a confrontation between the accused and non-local students on November 19, during which the accused allegedly abused and threatened a non-local student and raised pro-Pakistan slogans. The non-local students accuse the Kashmiri students of raising anti-India and pro-Pakistan slogans after India’s defeat. The arrested students have been charged with advocating, abetting, or inciting unlawful activity, as well as intent to incite offense against any other class or community and criminal intimidation.

The police have defended their action, stating that it is not about dissent or freedom of expression but about terrorizing others with pro-India or anti-Pakistan sentiments. The SKUAST official, speaking on condition of anonymity, stated that the non-local students did not complain to the university administration and went directly to the police. The official also mentioned that the arrested students are in their early 20s and studying fourth-year Bachelor of Veterinary Science. A relative of one of the students expressed concern over the charges, stating that it would ruin their lives, and requested the government to drop the charges.

The article highlights past incidents where Kashmiri students were charged under the same UAPA law for allegedly celebrating Pakistan’s victory over India in cricket matches. It also notes that anti-India sentiments in Indian-administered Kashmir have intensified since 2019 when New Delhi revoked the region’s partial autonomy.

The Jammu and Kashmir Students Association, a local student body, called for the withdrawal of the UAPA charges, emphasizing that the students come from poor families and that the charges could ruin their future. Mehbooba Mufti, the last elected chief minister of the region, described the case as disconcerting and shocking, stating that it reveals the ruthless mindset of the establishment towards youngsters in Kashmir.

Overall, the article provides information on the arrests of Kashmiri students for allegedly celebrating India’s loss in the cricket World Cup finals. The sources used in the article include a senior police officer, an anonymous SKUAST official, the statement from the police defending their action, and statements from the Jammu and Kashmir Students Association and Mehbooba Mufti. The article presents facts surrounding the case but does not provide a comprehensive analysis of the political landscape or address potential biases. However, the article’s focus on the past incidents and the use of UAPA against dissenters and Muslim activists suggests a potential bias against the Indian government and its policies in Kashmir.

In terms of credibility, the police officer and the SKUAST official provide information based on their roles in the case. However, the article could benefit from more diverse sources to provide a balanced perspective. The statements from the Jammu and Kashmir Students Association and Mehbooba Mufti represent the opinions of local student bodies and political figures. While these opinions are valuable, they should be considered in the context of their potential biases.

The article’s impact on the public’s perception of the information is subjective and could vary depending on the readers’ existing opinions and knowledge of the Kashmir conflict. The prevalence of fake news and the polarized political landscape can contribute to the public’s interpretation of the article’s credibility and reliability. Those who are critical of the Indian government may view the arrests as an example of suppressing dissent, while supporters of the government may see it as a necessary action to maintain law and order. It is crucial for readers to critically evaluate the sources and consider multiple perspectives to develop a nuanced understanding of the situation.

Source: Aljazeera news: Kashmir students accused of terror for ‘celebrating’ India World Cup loss