NC, BJP Spar Over Law University; Harassment of Kashmiris Ignite Protests
The issue of harassment was first raised by NC MLA Mubarak Gul and PDP’s Waheed U Rehman Parra, who urged the government to take immediate steps to halt what they described as a dangerous and escalating trend
JAMMU: The Jammu and Kashmir Assembly’s budget session on Tuesday unfolded amid sharp exchanges, political posturing, and deepening concerns over the safety of Kashmiris across the country.
Tensions escalated as the ruling National Conference (NC) and the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) repeatedly clashed—most prominently over the BJP’s demand for establishing a National Law University (NLU) in Jammu. Yet, the debate soon widened, with the House consumed by the troubling rise in attacks and harassment targeting Kashmiri students, traders, and migrant workers in various parts of the country.
The issue of harassment was first raised by NC MLA Mubarak Gul and PDP’s Waheed U Rehman Parra, who urged the government to take immediate steps to halt what they described as a dangerous and escalating trend. Outside the Assembly, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah told reporters that the matter would be formally discussed inside the House, acknowledging the seriousness of the allegations of victimisation.
Before the session began, NC legislators staged a forceful protest outside the Assembly complex. Holding placards and chanting slogans, they condemned what they called a “recurring pattern” of targeted attacks on Kashmiri Muslims—students, shawl sellers, and traders—across mainland India. Their placards carried pointed messages: “Kashmiris are citizens, not suspects,” “Stop demonising Kashmiris,” and “Patriotism doesn’t mean hating and beating Kashmiris.” They also reiterated their demand for the restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir.
NC spokesperson Tanvir Sadiq, speaking during the demonstration, revealed that yet another incident had surfaced—this time involving an elderly Kashmiri couple in Saharanpur, Uttar Pradesh. He argued that such cases were no longer isolated but part of a “growing and dangerous trend” in which Kashmiris were being targeted under the guise of distorted nationalism. Sadiq urged the Prime Minister and the Union Home Minister to break their silence and issue clear directives to states to protect Kashmiris, warning that continued silence only emboldened perpetrators.
PDP’s Parra said he had submitted an adjournment motion seeking an urgent debate on the rising hate crimes against Kashmiris. He highlighted the vulnerability of students living in hostels and rented accommodations, as well as labourers working in factories and hotels, many of whom had faced threats, forced evictions, and physical assaults solely because of their identity. Parra called for helplines, nodal officers, and safe accommodations to ensure the security of Kashmiris in high-risk regions.
The session grew more heated when the BJP raised its long-standing demand for establishing the National Law University in Jammu. As Question Hour began, BJP MLAs stood up with placards, insisting that the people of Jammu—especially students—felt neglected. BJP MLA Slathia argued that while the party did not oppose an NLU in the Valley, Jammu deserved its own institution. The demand has gained traction among students and the Jammu High Court Bar Association, who insist the NLU campus should be located in Jammu.
Congress MLA Nizamuddin Bhat criticised the BJP for violating Assembly decorum by carrying placards, while Peoples Conference leader Sajad Lone dismissed the BJP’s argument by noting that the NLU was a state university with a modest budget, not a centrally funded institution. The Chief Minister had earlier indicated that Budgam district in the Kashmir Valley was being considered for the proposed university, a position the BJP strongly opposes.
Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary intervened during the escalating exchanges, accusing the BJP of promoting divisive “Jammu versus Kashmir” politics. He asserted that the government viewed the Union Territory as a single, unified entity and would not allow regional fault lines to be exploited for political gain. His remarks triggered loud protests from BJP members, briefly disrupting the proceedings until the Speaker restored order. Choudhary reiterated that the government was committed to balanced development and was answerable to the people of the entire Union Territory.
Meanwhile, former Chief Minister and PDP president Mehbooba Mufti expressed grave concern over what she described as a disturbing pattern of attacks on Kashmiris and minorities across India. Referring to recent incidents—including the alleged assault on a young Kashmiri in Uttarakhand and the harassment of an elderly couple—she questioned the silence of J&K’s Members of Parliament. Mufti accused certain state governments of enabling mob violence by failing to uphold constitutional principles, warning that the “politics of fear” was eroding public trust in democratic institutions.
The day’s proceedings underscored the deep political divides within the Assembly and the growing anxiety over the safety and dignity of Kashmiris living outside the Union Territory. With adjournment motions pending and tempers running high, the Assembly is expected to revisit these contentious issues in the coming days, as political parties continue to spar over identity, regional equity, and the responsibilities of the Union government.
