Srinagar: The Jammu and Kashmir Students Association (JKSA) on Monday strongly condemned the merciless assault on Aftaab Hussain, a student from Poonch district of Jammu and Kashmir, who was allegedly thrashed “by members of Bajrang Dal, Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), and Hindu Jagran Manch” in Sagar, Madhya Pradesh.
Shockingly, the JKSA added, “instead of being protected, Aftaab, a student of Dr. Harisingh Gour University (DHSGSU) with a clean academic record, no criminal background, and no involvement in any unlawful or anti-national activities, was taken into police custody”.
In a press release here, JHKSA said it has urged the Director General of Police, Madhya Pradesh, to ensure Aftaab’s immediate release, safety, and medical care, and to initiate strict legal action against those who assaulted him. JKSA emphasised that it is the constitutional duty of the administration to protect every student, not criminalise the victim.
It further stated that Navratri is a sacred religious festival, symbolising devotion, inclusivity, and the victory of good over evil.
JKSA “fully respects its sanctity and spiritual significance. However, it is deeply disturbing that, under the pretext of this holy occasion, fringe groups aligned with RSS are weaponizing religion to harass, vilify, and demonise a Kashmiri Muslim student, giving communal colour to what is essentially a cultural and spiritual celebration.
“Garba and other cultural festivals are meant to be inclusive celebrations of India’s diversity, uniting people beyond religion, caste, or region.
“Unfortunately, organisations like Bajrang Dal, VHP, and Hindu Jagran Manch are attempting to communalise these festivals, spread hate, and exploit them for political mileage. They have mercilessly thrashed an innocent student, and this hate must stop. Such acts not only divide the country but also poison our social fabric. They set a dangerous precedent that will instill fear among Kashmiri youth who are engaging positively with local culture. This alarming trend must be rejected in the strongest possible terms,” JKSA added.
It said it strongly refutes “the false, defamatory, and concocted allegations made against Aftaab, portraying him with malicious intent without any evidence.
“These are nothing but fabricated pretences to justify mob violence. The reality is that he had been invited to the event by his friends,” JKSA added.
Association has urged the Madhya Pradesh government to ensure the safety and protection of all Kashmiri students in the state, allowing them to pursue their education without fear or intimidation.
The Association reaffirmed its support for Aftaab and reiterated that targeted violence against Kashmiri students is unacceptable, unconstitutional, and a grave threat to India’s unity, inclusivity, and social harmony.
