The Srinagar-based political experts and analysts have said that India’s brutal tactics to suppress the freedom sentiments of the people of Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir have touched new heights since 5 August 2019.
The political experts and analysts in their interviews and statements condemned the Indian police for arresting seven students of Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology in Ganderbal under draconian law, Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) for celebrating Australia’s victory over India in the Cricket World Cup final. They said the arrest of students under the black law for cheering a team of their choice speaks volumes of the Narendra Modi regime’s ruthless mindset towards the Kashmiri youth.
The political experts and analysts maintained that Narendra Modi must remember that hearts and minds of Kashmiris can’t be changed by resorting to brutal tactics. They said arresting Kashmiri students for supporting teams playing against India will only increase the anti-India feelings among the people of occupied Kashmir.
The political experts and analysts asserted that Kashmiris’ freedom struggle can’t be suppressed by putting the innocent people behind bars under frivolous charges. They added that India will never succeed in subduing the Kashmiri people’s freedom sentiment.
The President of People Democratic Party, Mehbooba Mufti, said it was disconcerting and shocking that cheering for a winning team too has been criminalized in Kashmir.
Senior leader of Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) M Y Tarigami termed the police action deplorable and students’ sloganeering a simple act of celebration. He said the police move not only reflects the recurring misuse of the UAPA but also signifies unprecedented curbs on freedom of expression. A sport should be viewed as a recreational activity and must not be politicised, he said.
It is worth noting here that in cricket matches involving India, Kashmiris have always cheered the opposite side to show their deep-rooted alienation from the Indian state. In the past too, the Kashmiri students had to face expulsions from Indian universities for rejoicing the Indian cricket team’s defeats.
