Ghulam Nabi Azad: Jammu and Kashmir students must focus on studies, not politics

Bengaluru: Condemning the pro-Azadi slogans by a section of students at a seminar in Bengaluru, former Jammu and Kashmir CM and leader of opposition in the Rajya Sabha Ghulam Nabi Azad asserted on Sunday that students from his state should concentrate on studies and not get involved in politics.

The panel discussion here over Broken Families, organized by Amnesty International, had witnessed heated exchanges on Saturday night. Speaking to reporters, Mr Azad said, all these boys, whether they are Kashmiri Pandits or Muslim boys, have come here to study.

“So my appeal to them is that when they are outside their state they should be very friendly. First complete your studies - that should be their priority,” he said.

Pointing out that the atmosphere in Jammu and Kashmir was not congenial for education, Mr Azad said: “Kashmir has been spoilt and is a victim of too much politics, let students not spoil their career. Violence in Kashmir is a matter of great concern not only for people of Jammu and Kashmir but for the entire country which is why we have had discussion on the issue during the recent Parliament session.”

Reacting to this incident, Home minister, Dr G. Parameshwar said the state police department had taken a serious view about this.

“I have directed the city police commissioner to probe this episode. At this juncture, I am not aware who provoked whom? Do these sloganeers belong to a terrorist or refugee group? We are probing on these lines. If we come to know about the involvement of a terrorist organisation, we will surely hand over this case to national agencies,” he said.

Condemning the reported comments against the Indian Army at the event, BJP’s state unit president B.S. Yeddyurappa sought strict action against those responsible and also shot off a letter to Union Home minister, Rajnath Singh seeking legal action against those involved.