In a recent protest march at Jadavpur University against the RG Kar incident, the controversial slogan “Kashmir Mangey Azadi” was raised, sparking serious concerns within the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), headed by Amit Shah. Following the incident, the central intelligence agencies quickly acted upon the ministry’s orders and sent a preliminary report to Delhi on Monday.
The Incident
The protest was organized on Sunday night under banners reading “Tilottama’s Justice Wanted” and “We Demand Justice” in response to the RG Kar Medical College controversy. However, things took a dramatic turn when participants of the protest allegedly began chanting “Kashmir Mangey Azadi” (Kashmir demands freedom), a slogan associated with separatist movements. This has alarmed the central government, as it raises questions about the intent and affiliations of the individuals behind the slogans.
Central Government’s Response
The MHA, concerned about the incident, directed the intelligence agencies to thoroughly investigate the matter. As per sources, a team of senior officials from the intelligence agencies was dispatched to gather information about the protest. A preliminary report was sent to the MHA on Monday, with details about the protest organizers, the individuals involved in raising the slogans, and whether the incident was part of a larger conspiracy or just an isolated case.
The report also identified around 15 to 20 individuals who were involved, along with their photographs. Some of these individuals are reportedly former students of Jadavpur University, who have previously been involved in anti-national activities in West Bengal. More details are expected to emerge as investigations continue.
Sedition FIR Lodged by Kolkata Police
In light of the seriousness of the incident, the Kolkata Police filed a First Information Report (FIR) under charges of sedition at Patuli Police Station. The police are closely working with central intelligence to probe deeper into the matter, focusing on potential links to separatist organizations and the possible motivations behind the controversial slogan.
Kashmir and the Timing of the Slogan
The timing of the incident is significant, as it coincides with the third phase of elections in Jammu and Kashmir, the first elections being held in the region after the abrogation of Articles 370 and 35A. The central government is particularly concerned about the appearance of such a slogan in a state as far removed from Kashmir as West Bengal. There is an apprehension that the protestors may have connections to separatist organizations in Kashmir, and investigations are underway to explore any such links.
Heightened Concerns in Delhi
The central government, particularly the MHA, has been on high alert in West Bengal following political shifts in Bangladesh. The fall of the Sheikh Hasina government in Bangladesh has already raised security concerns, and the appearance of anti-national slogans in West Bengal only heightens fears of a rise in extremist elements in the state.
According to reports, the central government is determined to ensure that no anti-national forces gain traction in the state, especially in light of the ongoing elections in Kashmir. Delhi is maintaining a close watch on developments in West Bengal, and additional reports and updates on the incident will likely follow.
The slogan “Kashmir Mangey Azadi” raised during the Jadavpur protest march has drawn significant attention from both the state and central governments. With a sedition FIR already filed and central intelligence actively investigating, the situation is being treated with the utmost seriousness. As West Bengal remains under close scrutiny, the incident has further highlighted the ongoing concerns over the region’s security and its possible links to wider separatist movements.
Further investigation into the incident is expected to shed more light on the motivations behind the slogan, as well as any potential connections to extremist groups. The central government is keen to ensure that no anti-national sentiments are allowed to flourish, particularly in the sensitive political climate surrounding Kashmir.