NEW DELHI: In a post-ICC World Cup incident, seven Kashmiri students have been arrested by the Indian Illegally Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) Police under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) for shouting pro-Pakistan slogans following India’s loss to Australia in the finals.
The arrests were made under Sections 13 (advocating, abetting, or inciting unlawful activity) of UAPA, along with Sections 505 (inciting communal violence) and 506 (criminal intimidation), according to an FIR filed by Ganderbal police station.
The incident reportedly occurred on November 19 at one of the undergraduate hostels of Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agriculture Science and Technology in Ganderbal district. Alleged sloganeering inside the hostel, where some local students reside, was captured on film by non-local students and subsequently handed over to the police.
FIR Lodged Against Kashmiri Students
The FIR was based on a complaint filed by Sachin Bains, a student of the Faculty of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry at the university. Bains claimed that he was abused and threatened by the students for supporting India during the World Cup final.
He further alleged that the students shouted pro-Pakistan slogans, creating an atmosphere of fear among non-local students.
The suspects, identified as Umer, Asif, Mohsin, Tauqeer, Khali, Sameer, and Ubaid Gulzar, are enrolled in various courses at the university and are reportedly close to completing their degrees. Superintendent of Police Nikhil Borkar Ganderbal stated that the investigation is ongoing, and updates will be provided based on its findings.
