Kolkata’s Jadavpur University has once again found itself at the center of controversy. A provocative ‘Azad Kashmir’ slogan appeared on the walls near the Technology Building’s Gate No. 3, triggering a police investigation. The incident has raised serious concerns about separatist influences within the campus, prompting authorities to file a sedition case under sections 152/61B of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which deals with secessionist, violent, and seditious activities.
Political Uproar Following Web Cooper Meeting
The controversy comes in the wake of the March 1 Web Cooper meeting, which saw violent protests erupt at Jadavpur University. During the unrest, West Bengal Education Minister Bratya Basu was attacked, and Vice-Chancellor Bhaskar Gupta’s shirt was torn. The university has been in turmoil since then, and the recent ‘Azad Kashmir’ slogan has only intensified tensions.
Authorities believe that external elements are exploiting student movements to destabilize India. Given this, Kolkata Police have taken a firm stance, launching an investigation to ensure anti-national activities do not gain ground within the campus.
Student Organizations React to the Controversy
The incident has drawn strong reactions from various student organizations:
🔹 Kishalay Roy, President of Trinamool Chhatra Parishad (TMCP), condemned the act, stating:
🗨️ “Those responsible for this are mentally unstable. We appreciate the police’s swift action.”
🔹 Shauryadipta Roy, SFI Local Committee Secretary, expressed concern, saying:
🗨️ “Raising the ‘Azad Kashmir’ slogan is an attack on sovereignty. However, sedition charges may not be the right solution. The students involved should have been counseled rather than criminalized.”
🔹 Aniruddha Sarkar, South Bengal Secretary of ABVP, took a stronger stance, asserting:
🗨️ “Jadavpur University has become a hub of anti-national activities. This is why they oppose police entry into the campus. We have repeatedly raised concerns with both state and central authorities. The police action is commendable.”
Not the First Incident at Jadavpur University
This is not the first time Jadavpur University has faced such a controversy. In the past, similar ‘Azad Kashmir’ slogans led to an uproar, prompting the Union Home Ministry to seek a report on the situation. The recurrence of such incidents has put the university under heightened scrutiny.
As tensions rise, the West Bengal Police and intelligence agencies are closely monitoring developments to prevent further escalation. Authorities are determined to ensure that no anti-national elements misuse the campus for propaganda.
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