Srinagar, Sep 30, KDC: The Jammu and Kashmir Students Association (JKSA) on Tuesday demanded the immediate arrest of all right-wing members involved in the brutal assault on Aftaab Hussain, a student from Poonch district, Jammu and Kashmir, who is studying at Dr. Harisingh Gour University, Sagar, Madhya Pradesh.
In a statement to news agency Kashmir Dot Com, National Convenor of the Association, Nasir Khuehami, said that Aftaab was mercilessly attacked by members of Bajrang Dal, VHP, and Hindu Jagran Manch during Navratri celebrations. Shockingly, instead of being protected, he was taken into police custody. He has now been released after the intervention of Madhya Pradesh DGP and senior police officials, who acted on the merits of the case and confirmed that Aftaab has no criminal or anti-national record.
The Association extends its gratitude to the DGP and police authorities for their timely and impartial intervention, which prevented an innocent student’s life and career from being ruined by fabricated charges. Right-wing groups were exerting immense pressure on the authorities to register an FIR and arrest Aftaab, but justice prevailed, However, we emphasize that this is not enough; an FIR must now be registered against the culprits who carried out the assault, and swift, strict action must be taken to ensure accountability and to set a clear precedent that targeted violence against Jammu Kashmiri student will not be tolerated under any circumstances.
He emphasized that, It is deeply concerning that fringe and right-wing elements have once again weaponised religion to vilify Jammu and Kashmir Muslim students and to communalise cultural celebrations like Navratri and Garba festivals that are meant to unite communities, not divide them. False, concocted, and defamatory narratives were deliberately spread against Aftaab to portray him with malicious intent, despite the fact that he had been invited by his friends to the event.
Targeted attacks on Kashmiri youth are unconstitutional, unacceptable, and a direct assault on India’s democratic ethos and social fabric. Such incidents create fear among Kashmiri students who have come to other states to study, contribute, and build bridges with local communities. They also tarnish India’s image as a diverse and inclusive nation. Festivals like Navrati, Garba embody unity in diversity, bringing together people from all walks of life, irrespective of religion, caste, or region. By spreading hatred and orchestrating violence, organisations like Bajrang Dal, VHP, and Hindu Jagran Manch are undermining these values and poisoning India’s cultural traditions for narrow political purposes, he added.
Khuehami reiterates that the Madhya Pradesh government must ensure the safety, dignity, and equal treatment of all students, irrespective of their identity or background. Anything less would be seen as failing to prevent the targeting of Jammu Kashmir youth.
