Chandigarh: In a low tone press release issued today the Punjab unit of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) condemned police action against Kashmiri students in Punjab. In its press release AAP avoided any direct and bold reference to the issue of arrest of Kashmiri students and the release was phrased in such a way that the party mimicked on the issue politely. Moreover, while mentioning the alleged police harassment of students the AAP enlisted students from north-east and Bihar before Jammu & Kashmir. But while doing so the party did not forward to offer clarification that it believes in so-called “united and integrity”.
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It is notable that after the Punjab police arrested Kashmiri students and booked them under draconian Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), there were reports in media the Kashmiri students studying in Punjab were leaving the state out of fear. AAP’s statement seems to be issued in response it these reports.
Full Text of Statement Issued by AAP (Punjab) reads as follows:
Aam Aadmi Party on Sunday demanded from chief minister Capt. Amarinder Singh to ensure the safety and security of students from other states studying in the universities and colleges of the state. In a press statement, youth wing incharge MLA Meet Hayer and chief spokesperson, Prof. Baljinder Kaur said that at present students from across the country and from other countries are studying in the universities of state that is benefitting the state financially and also establishing the profile of state. In such condition, discriminating with them on the basis of religion, caste or language is condemnable.
AAP MLAs said that Punjab is being established as ‘Education Hub’ in the region and due to the apathy of state and centre governments the condition of govt. universities and other institutions is pitiable. So the private universities are offering higher education courses to the students. They said that due to delay in releasing post-matric scholarship funds to the students, the universities and colleges are already having tough time in this situation the insecurity among students is adding fuel to the fire.
The MLAs said that the people in country are being divided on the lines of caste, colour and religion and Punjab must set an example in such conditions. They said that Punjab is known for its secular approach and people from different walks are living peacefully for years. The Sikh religion and philosophy of Sufi Saints teaches us to respect each individual.
AAP leaders said that police harassing students from north-east states, Bihar, Jammu & Kashmir etc. is wrong. They said that AAP believes in the integrity and unity of India and anyone who is working against it should not be spared but the interrogation of students and victimising them is inhuman.