The NIT in Srinagar was at the centre of discussion in the lok Sabha on Tuesday with members seeking steps to instill security in the minds of students studying in the institute even as the Congress alleged that those who raised nationalist slogans last month were ‘lathi charged’ by the Jammu & Kashmir police. The Government countered the allegation, saying the Opposition party was “politicising the issue.”
Under attack over deployment of central forces inside NIT in Srinagar, the Central Government said to the House that it was not a unilateral decision but was done following requests from the institute authorities.
“It was not our decision, not a suo motu decision. There was a request from the NIT authorities and hence the decision was taken to deploy central forces in the campus. It was not a unilateral decision of the central government,” Minister of State for Home Kiren Rijiju said.
Rijiju’s remarks during the Question Hour came after Congress chiefwhip Jyotiraditya Scindia alleged that by deploying the Central forces on the NIT campus, the Centre had undermined the Jammu & Kashmir Police. At the same time he also said students from outside the State who raised slogans like ‘Bharat Mata ki Jai’ were beaten up by State police and asked what action was taken against them.
The NIT in Srinagar had witnessed clashes between local and outstation students after India lost to West Indies in World T-20 semi-final match on March 31, following which paramilitary forces were deployed on the campus.
The Congress leader’s comments invited strong protests from Treasury Benches, particularly from BJP MP and former Union Home Secretary RK Singh, who said Jammu & Kashmir Police is known for its sacrifices for the country’s unity and integrity and such comments are unwarranted.
Rijiju said it is a known fact that it is the State police which takes action wherever necessary and the Central forces only help the local authorities.
He said three companies of paramilitary were deployed on the NIT campus while outside is being guarded by the J&K Police. The Minister said reports by various enquiries into the incident would be submitted that would make for further action into the issue. He asked Opposition party not to “politicise” the issue.
When a member sought measures to instill security in the minds of students outside the State, Home Minister Rajnath Singh stood up to say that emotional security was there as students wanted to go back and local administration had agreed to provide all the facilities to the non-Kashmiri students. “Pleasant thing is that students are going back”, he said.