JKSA Demands Action Over 'Azad Kashmir' Slogans at Jamia Millia
The Jammu and Kashmir Students' Association (JKSA) has condemned slogans reading 'Azad Kashmir' that were painted on the walls of Jamia Millia Islamia, calling for a transparent probe and strict action against the culprits.
The association made its remarks on Saturday, as students at the university continue their protest demanding the revival of the student union and the holding of campus elections.
JKSA urged the university administration and Delhi Police to identify the persons responsible for the graffiti and to proceed as per law. It also demanded a fair and independent investigation into the matter.
National convener Nasir Khuehami said the democratic demands of students should not be pushed aside by slogans that have nothing to do with a movement focused on student rights, representation and participation in democratic processes.
"We stand against any slogan that supports the division of India and will never be part of those who wish to fragment the country," Khuehami said. "Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of India and always will be. Those who wrote 'Azad Kashmir' on Jamia's walls should be found through a proper inquiry and punished if guilty. Such inflammatory slogans are an attempt to derail the student movement."
He said students involved in the ongoing agitation are raising valid concerns about democratic rights, student representation and the restoration of the student union. These issues, he argued, must be addressed through talks, not brushed aside or weakened.
The association said it strongly opposed any effort to sidetrack the agitation, whether through divisive graffiti or provocative messages that distract from the genuine problems faced by students.
JKSA maintained that the university administration bears the responsibility for ensuring discipline, security and a conducive environment for education on campus. Blaming the entire student community for slogans written by unidentified people without verifying facts, it said, would be wrong.
Khuehami called for a comprehensive inquiry, including checking available CCTV footage, to establish who wrote the slogans and whether any outsider was involved. He pointed to reports from the past week of outsiders allegedly entering and remaining on campus without permission, adding that these allegations also need to be probed on the basis of evidence.
The association urged authorities to consider the demand for a student union and elections seriously and in a constructive manner. It said young people are the future of the nation and that universities should encourage democratic engagement, critical thinking and responsible citizenship. It asked why students should be kept from an elected representative body when their concerns can be resolved through democratic processes.
JKSA concluded by accusing Union Minister Giriraj Singh and other leaders of using the incident to divert attention, malign the student community and invalidate the peaceful struggle for democratic representation.