Oppn spreading falsehoods over FAT schools, says NC’s Chowdry Ramzan

Srinagar, Aug 25: Senior National Conference (NC) leader Chowdry Mohammad Ramzan, has slammed the opposition parties for “spreading falsehoods” and “deliberately creating confusion” over the issue of Falah-e-Aam Trust (FAT) schools in Kashmir.In a statement issued here, he said the current uproar is a calculated attempt to mislead the public for political gains, adding that the challenges faced by the region are rooted in past political decisions.Ramzan criticised the opposition for engaging in “petty political survival tactics”, accusing them of deceiving the people and manufacturing chaos to stay relevant. “The public knows well who pushed us into this state,” he said, adding that no amount of noise or drama can hide the reality of their reckless politics.Addressing concerns related to Jamaat-e-Islami (JeI), the NC leader reminded that the organisation has historically faced restrictions and bans. “During the Emergency period (June 25, 1975 – March 21, 1977), it was Prime Minister Indira Gandhi who recommended the imposition of Emergency, leading to the banning of several organisations, including Jamaat-e-Islami, RSS, and Communist Party (Marxist-Leninist). These measures aimed to neutralise groups deemed disruptive during a volatile time in Indian history,” he said.Ramzan also highlighted Sher-e-Kashmir Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah’s “foresight” during turbulent times. He said that on February 25, 1975, Sheikh Abdullah proposed the renaming of Jamaat-run schools under the Falah-e-Aam Trust (FAT) to safeguard students’ future amidst political upheaval. This move, he said, ensured that the education of innocent students continued uninterrupted.He further clarified that Jamaat-e-Islami was declared an unlawful association under the UAPA in 2019, with the ban extended in 2024. Despite this designation, he said schools affiliated with the organization have not been closed, nor has students’ education been affected.“The recent administrative decision to have local government higher secondary school principals oversee these institutions was made solely to protect students’ interests, given that the management had expired and concerns about misuse persisted,” he said.Ramzan assured that this arrangement would not harm students or teachers but instead ensure the continuity of education for over 50,000 students. He said the Education Minister had already clarified the matter, dispelling any doubts.Criticising opposition parties for twisting facts, the NC leader warned against politicising education. “Education must remain above politics,” he said, calling for decisive action against any officials attempting to create chaos or manipulate the situation for political gains.