'Will Result In Career Assassination': J&K Body Urges Govt To Drop UAPA Charges On 7 Students

The J&K Students' Association said the punishment could ruin the future of the students and urged Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha to drop the UAPA charges.

The Jammu and Kashmir Students' Association on Tuesday urged Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha to drop Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) charges against seven university students who allegedly raised objectionable slogans following India's defeat in the ICC World Cup.

The students from the Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology allegedly raised objectionable slogans and celebrated the Indian cricket team's loss to Australia in the World Cup final. 

National convenor of the association Nasir Khuehami said the punishment could ruin the future of the students and urged the government to drop the UAPA charges. The UAPA charges will have serious consequences on the academic career of the students and can also cause significant psychological impact and and should be withdrawn, the association said in a statement.

"We request them to give a chance to the students to continue their studies and restore their faith in the ethical standing of your institution and the principles of Constitution of India, so that the children will find some retrieve and their future is preserved," he added.

Aadil Bhat, national spokesperson of the association, said the students allegedly abused and threatened others who were supporting India in the World Cup match. While condemning the act, Bhat said such conduct had no room in a civilised society.

"The issue should be resolved amicably, rather than taking it to court and police station. We are not justifying their act, but such charges will result in their career assassination," Bhat said.

The students were arrested after police received a complaint by a non-local student who alleged his college mates had harassed him. 

Taking to X, formerly Twitter, PDP chief and former J&K Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti termed the arrests "shocking" while condemning the "ruthless mindset" of the government towards youngsters of the Union Territory.

"Disconcerting and shocking that cheering for a winning team too has been criminalised in Kashmir. Normalising slapping of draconian laws like UAPA on journalists, activists and now students reveals the ruthless mindset of the establishment towards youngsters in J&K. Hearts & minds of people through barrel of a gun (sic)," she said.