On Tuesday, PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti expressed her dismay at the arrest of seven university students who allegedly raised objectionable slogans and celebrated India’s loss in the World Cup final. Terming it “shocking,” the former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister urged Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha to investigate the matter. Mufti criticized the use of laws like UAPA on journalists, activists, and now students, revealing what she described as a ruthless mindset towards youngsters in Jammu and Kashmir.

The arrested students, enrolled at Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (SKUAST) Kashmir, faced charges following a complaint by a non-local student who claimed harassment and objectionable slogans after India’s defeat to Australia in the final match.

Speaking at the party office, Mehbooba Mufti emphasized the normalcy of cheering for teams in sports, questioning the fear and paranoia surrounding students celebrating Australia’s win. She criticized the use of UAPA, typically reserved for terrorists, to detain youth, journalists, and students, emphasizing the importance of winning the hearts and minds of the people in Jammu and Kashmir instead of resorting to widespread arrests.

Source: PTI

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