By indiatomorrow.net
Srinagar, May 16, 2023: Shock and anger gripped Jammu and Kashmir when Kashmiri students at Government Medical College in Jammu were thrashed after an argument over the controversial movie, “‘The Kerala Story.”
“We have received distressing calls from GMC Jammu that a group of Kashmiri students has been injured as a result of a recent altercation over The Kerala Story. One student was attacked with an iron rod and sustained head injuries. He has got 12 stitches,” said Nasir Khuhami, national convener of the Jammu and Kashmir Students Association (JKSA).
Protests rocked GMC after the May 15 incident. The incident occurred when some students in the first year were arguing over controversial messages on a student’s WhatsApp group. Later, an argument started when some students posted controversial messages on a WhatsApp group of the college after watching ‘The Kerala Story.’
Sensing trouble, the police lodged an FIR against the culprits. Authorities have assured that strict action will be taken against those found guilty. Police have launched a manhunt to apprehend the attackers, especially the main accused, JP and Chandiyal.
JKSA national convener Nasir Khuhami said they have raised the issue with the Lieutenant Governor’s office and ADGP Jammu Mukesh Singh.
He said they are working closely with the authorities to ensure that such incidents do not occur again in the future. J&K Lieutenant Governor’s Media Advisor Yatish Yadav emphasized that there is zero tolerance against these incidents. “We have been assured that timely action will be taken, and a special security meeting will be held to address this incident,” Khuhami said while quoting ADGP Jammu Mukesh Singh.
JKSA appealed to all students to maintain peace and order on campus. “It is imperative to work together to create an atmosphere of peace and tolerance. We stand in solidarity with the affected students and assure their support in ensuring their safety and well-being. The Association remains committed to preventing such incidents from happening again in the future and will continue to monitor the situation closely,” he said.
The issue has taken political overtones. Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Ministers Omar Abdullah and Mehbooba Mufti have demanded action on the matter.
“Very distressing images of gunda elements targeting Kashmiri students in Jammu,” said Omar as he shared the photos of bleeding students.
Omar said Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha must ensure this is done in a time-bound manner. He also said that LG should reassure students that their safety will not be compromised at the altar of politics.
Mehbooba said GoI promotes and encourages violence through movies stoking communal fires. “The blood of innocents is being spilled to quench BJP’s insatiable thirst for petty electoral dividends. Request Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha ji to take cognizance and punish the culprits,” Mehbooba tweeted.