A controversy has erupted at Jamia Millia Islamia University in Delhi over allegations that slogans calling for “Free Kashmir” or “Azad Kashmir” were raised during a student protest. Congress MP Imran Masood has denied that any such slogans were shouted. Masood had visited the university to meet protesting students but was detained by Delhi Police. He said that not a single “Azad Kashmir” slogan was raised in his presence and claimed he had publicly condemned any such slogans. He also reiterated that Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of India.
Masood Targets Those Behind Posters
While denying the allegations, Masood said that some people had put up posters related to Jammu and Kashmir on the university campus in an attempt to weaken the student movement. He claimed these individuals had nothing to do with the students’ protest. He urged the police to take strict action against those responsible for putting up the posters. Masood maintained that the students’ demands should not be overshadowed by the controversy surrounding the posters.
Questions Over Student Union
Before being detained, Masood defended the protesting students and said their concerns were legitimate. He questioned why the university had not restored the students’ union. According to him, students represent the country’s future, and their concerns should be heard rather than suppressed. He also criticised attempts to undermine the protest, arguing that issues raised by students deserved attention from the university administration.
University Forms Seven-Member Committee
Amid the ongoing protest and hunger strike, Jamia Millia Islamia has formed a seven-member high-level committee to engage with the protesting students. The panel will examine their demands and recommend steps to restore normal conditions on campus. The university said the committee was established to address the students’ concerns and facilitate dialogue between the administration and the protesters.
Meeting Held on October 18
The decision to form the committee followed a meeting of senior university officials on October 18. Vice-Chancellor Professor Mazhar Asif chaired the discussions, which were attended by Registrar Professor Mohammad Mehtab Alam Rizvi, Controller of Examinations Professor Ehteshamul Haque and other senior officials. Deans from various faculties, the Dean of Student Welfare, the Dean of Academic Affairs, the Chief Proctor and hostel provosts were also present.
Focus on Dialogue and Normalcy
The committee has been tasked with speaking to the protesting students, examining their grievances and recommending measures to restore normalcy at the university. Its formation comes as students continue their protest and hunger strike over their demands. Meanwhile, the controversy over the alleged Kashmir-related slogans has added another layer to the dispute, with Masood insisting that the posters were intended to divert attention from the students’ concerns.
