Seven students from Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (SKUAST), booked under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) for alleged celebrations after India’s defeat in the ICC Cricket World Cup final against Australia, have been granted interim bail following the withdrawal of UAPA charges by the police.
The incident, which occurred on November 19, involved the accused students from Kashmir allegedly celebrating India’s loss and raising pro-Pakistan slogans, leading to a complaint filed by a non-local student from Punjab enrolled at the university. The case prompted the registration of charges under the stringent UAPA against the seven students, resulting in their arrest.
In response to pleas from the parents, emphasizing the modest backgrounds of the students and their aspirations for the future, senior police officers in Ganderbal were urged to reconsider the severity of the charges. The parents, condemning the incident as regrettable, emphasized their children’s commitment to focusing on their academic pursuits.
Following the dropping of UAPA charges, Ganderbal’s Court of Judicial Magistrate granted interim bail to the students until December 13. Advocate Shafiq Bhat, representing the students, confirmed the court’s decision, highlighting the withdrawal of UAPA charges as grounds for the bail.
Nasir Khuehami, the national convener of J&K Students Association, affirmed the bail, expressing relief over the resolution. The initial incident, reported by Sachin Bains, a resident of Punjab enrolled in a veterinary science course at the university, involved alleged verbal abuse and threats directed towards him for supporting India.
The decision to drop UAPA charges has garnered criticism directed at the police from various political parties. Former J&K Chief Minister and Peoples Democratic Party President, Mehbooba Mufti, expressed satisfaction at the withdrawal of charges, stressing the importance of safeguarding the students’ futures from undue jeopardy.
The development marks a significant turn in the legal proceedings, with the interim bail offering a reprieve to the accused students, while also igniting debates concerning the appropriate handling of such incidents and the use of stringent laws in similar cases.
Sources By Agencies
