Srinagar: The Jammu and Kashmir Students Association vehemently condemned a J&K-based student, Sohrab Qayoom, for objectionable remarks about Babri Masjid and Ram Mandir issue.
In a statement issued here, National Convenor of the Association, Nasir Khuehami, expressed deep concern over the potential consequences the remarks’ may cast on Sohrab Qayoom’s future.
Khuehami said that Sohrab Qayoom, a student from the Poonch area of Jammu and Kashmir, currently enrolled in the B Pharmacy course at Mewar University, Chittorgarh, Rajasthan, under the Indian Army’s Special Scholarship Scheme ‘Sadbhavna’ was arrested by Chittorgarh Rajasthan Police and currently lodged in Gangrar Police Station in a case under sections 151, 153A, 295A, and 505.
Reprimanding the remarks (not made available here), the Association Convenor said that “Such behavior is not only unacceptable but also undermines the principles of coexistence in our diverse and democratic nation.”
While not seeking to justify his actions, the Association believes that the charges brought against him could have severe consequences for his academic and future prospects.
The Association, the statement reads, urges all Kashmiri students to refrain from writing provocative content on social media that could add fuel to the fire.
Khuehami requested Home Minister Amit Shah and Rajasthan Chief Minister Bajanlal Sharma to consider Sohrab Qayoom’s case on humanitarian grounds.
“The charges and FIR against him could ruin his future, and the Association believes that providing an opportunity for rehabilitation is essential for the youth’s growth and development”, Khuehami said while requesting for dropping of charges and FIR against the student.
Khuehami acknowledged that Sohrab Qayoom’s actions may have been driven by immaturity rather than malice and the Association believes in the possibility of reform and redemption.
The Association, the statement reads, requests leniency considering his immaturity and lack of political awareness and that by providing opportunities for rehabilitation and by dropping the charges against Qayoom, the government can play a pivotal role in reshaping his future and connecting him with the hopes and aspirations of progress.
