Student Held in Rajasthan Over Babri Masjid-Ram Mandir Comments
JKSA writes to Amit Shah, Rajasthan CM to drop charges; condemns student’s remarks
Srinagar: A student hailing from the Poonch area of Jammu and Kashmir and pursuing bachelors of Pharmacy at Mewar University, Chittorgarh, Rajasthan, has been arrested by the Rajasthan police for making comments related to the demolished Babri Masjid and the construction of the Ram temple on the mosque site.
The arrest took place on January 26, following official sources’ confirmation that the student had allegedly made remarks regarding the historical Babri Masjid demolition and the subsequent construction of the Ram Mandir, accoridng to Nasir Khuehami, the conevnor of the Jammu and Kashmir Students Association (JKSA).
The Rajasthan police registered an FIR under various sections of the Indian Penal Code, including U/S 151, 153A, 295A, and 505.
These sections include offences related to disobedience of orders to disperse in a group, promoting enmity between different groups based on various factors, deliberately outraging religious feelings, and making statements with the intent to incite violence or offenses between different classes or communities.
Khuehami told that JKSA vehemently condemns the actions of a student, Sohrab Qayoom, who used objectionable remarks. Khuehami expressed deep concern over the potential consequences this incident may have on Sohrab Qayoom’s acadmic career.
Sohrab Qayoom, a student from the Poonch area of Jammu and Kashmir, is currently enrolled in the B Pharmacy course at Mewar University, Chittorgarh, Rajasthan, under the Indian Army’s Special Scholarship Scheme. This scheme was launched as part of Operation Sadbhavana with the goal of providing educational opportunities to underprivileged students.
“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,” he said.
In a separate letters, Khuehami has requested Home Minister of India Amit Shah and Rajasthan Chief Minister Bajanlal Sharma to consider the student’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, the student body head said. He requested dropping the charges and FIR against the student.
