In the wake of the recent incident involving anti-India sloganeering and intimidation within a SKAUST-K University campus following a World Cup cricket match, Jammu and Kashmir Police on Tuesday issued a full-stretch rebuttal stating that ‘case is not merely about raising pro-Pakistan slogans but in full context in which the sloganeering took place.’
A police spokesman said that a number of opinions and comments have been made on the legal cognisance taken of the happenings surrounding anti-India sloganeering and intimidation of others who did not agree with them in a university after the conclusion of the World Cup cricket match.
“Two relevant aspects are brought to public knowledge. First: it is not merely about raising pro-Pakistan slogans. It is about the full context in which the sloganeering took place. These slogans, as has usually been the case with a select few bullies, were aired to intimidate those who disagreed and also to identify and vilify those who choose to keep a distance,” he said.
The spokesman said it is also about normalizing an abnormal : that everyone hates India (as different from the government of the day and party in power) ‘openly’. This abnormal and false thing is practiced mostly on the back of separatist and terrorist networks. In other words, the aim is not airing personal preferences of a particular sporting team.
“It is not about dissent or freedom of expression. It is about terrorizing others who may be nourishing pro-India feelings or anti-Pakistan feelings or disagreeing. There were written complaints to evidence this,” he said.
The spokesman said the second aspect is: the application of the right law. Section 13 of UAPA is about inciting, advocating, and encouraging separatist ideology. It is not about planning, aiding, and executing actual terror acts. It classifies such actions as unlawful. In contrast to other provisions of act, it is a softer provision of the act.
“Hence as per the content of the complaints, FIR No. 317/2023 stands registered and section 13 UAPA invoked for inciting and abetting the unlawful activities. Section 505 and 506 IPC too has been invoked for ‘public mischief’ and ‘criminal intimidation’ respectively,” he said.
The police spokesman said it is pertinent to mention that, the FIR is lodged on the basis of the written complaint received and relevant sections are invoked as per the contents of the complaint.
“The Jammu and Kashmir Police remains committed to upholding the law and ensuring the safety and security of all citizens. Further investigations into the matter are underway, and appropriate action will be taken in accordance with the law. We appreciate the cooperation of the public in maintaining peace and harmony in the region,” he added.
