KL Report
Srinagar
Jammu and Kashmir Awami National Conference has expressed grave concern over the “lackadaisical attitude” of Hyderabad-based English and Foreign Languages University authorities in to bring to book those involved in Kashmiri scholar, Muddasir Kamran’s death early this month. The party said it would approach the Jammu and Kashmir High Court to seek justice in the event of any further delay in the matter.
Following instructions from party president, Begum Khalidah Shah, senior vice-president, Muzaffar Shah, visited the University campus for the second time in a fortnight to ascertain the pace of investigation in the case. He met with several people, including the agitating students and members of the Struggle Committee for Justice for Muddasir, they had set up soon after the tragedy.
“I am shocked to learn that the university authorities and the local police have not shown any seriousness in bringing those responsible for Muddasir’s death to justice. Although over a fortnight has passed, there is no breakthrough which is extremely unfortunate as it is surprising, given its sensitive nature and likely fallout on the law and order situation of the state,” Shah said on Monday.
Talking to reporters after his interaction with students and others, the ANC leader warned of negative fallout particularly in Jammu and Kashmir where people have cried foul over Muddasir’s death. “That the University authorities have failed to investigate the case with a sense of urgency, lends ample credence to the belief that their attitude is biased,” he said, adding that they had not even taken note of the students protest and demand for adequate compensation to the bereaved family.
Shah said the University’s nonchalance was bound to tarnish the democratic image of the country and would send a negative signal all over that fanatical elements in the key institution were calling the shots.
“While we are against any petty politicking over such human tragedies, the central and state governments are wholly and solely responsible to ensure safety and security of all the Kashmiri students studying in institutions outside the state,” Shah told reporters, adding that he had submitted the report of his findings to the party president and that further course of action would be decided after meeting with the deceased scholar’s family back home.
Meanwhile, according to reports, more than 44 professors from some of the prominent colleges affiliated to the Delhi University and Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, have signed a petition expressing their solidarity with the struggle launched by EFLU students. “We are dismayed at the insensitivity with which the university administration had handled the situation that led up to Muddasir’s mysterious and tragic death labeled as ‘suicide’ and the events that unfolded in the aftermath,” the support statement read.
