Indian government withdraws sedition charges against Kashmiri students – The Express Tribune
LUCKNOW: The Uttar Pradesh government has decided to withdraw the sedition case against Kashmiri students for allegedly celebrating Pakistan’s victory over India in a cricket match on March 1, Express News reported.
Uttar Pradesh government had earlier filed a sedition case against these students from Kashmir under Section 124a, 153a and 427 of the Indian Penal Code. According to Section 124a, whoever excites or attempts to excite disaffection towards the Indian government shall be punished with imprisonment or with a fine.
Earlier, Swami Vivekanand Subharti University (SVSU) in Meerut, Uttar Pradesh had
suspended the students for celebrating Pakistan’s victory.
“The SVSU administration on Wednesday submitted a written complaint against unknown persons for indulging in anti-national activities and creating a ruckus on the university campus,” Meerut police chief Omkar Singh told AFP.
“We have registered a case and the probe is on,” Singh explained.
“If evidence is established against the accused, there is a set legal procedure to be followed in such cases. The law will take its own course,” he said, adding that any charges would be ones of sedition.
Pakistan’s foreign office spokesman said sedition charges against the students would be “very unfortunate”.
“If the Kashmiri students want to come and pursue their education in Pakistan, our hearts and academic institutions are open to them,” Tasnim Aslam told reporters in Islamabad.
According to the Hindustan Times, trouble began on Sunday night, when a group of local and Kashmiri students were watching the India-Pakistan cricket match in the hall of the hostel. A few Kashmiri students cheered every time an Indian player’s wicket fell, later celebrating Pakistan’s win.
Vice-chancellor of Swami Vivekanand Subharti University Dr Manzoor Ahmad said he was taken aback by such a gesture by the students.
“Some students complained that a few students reportedly shouted Pakistan zindabad while going to their rooms,” said Ahmad.
He said the authorities initially decided to suspend only those students who had chanted such slogans.
NOW TEMME. IF I DO THE SAME THING IN PAKISTAN WHAT WUD HAPPEN TO ME? or rather WHAT SHUD HAPPEN TO ME AS PER YOU? An honest reply expected.