Government defends NIT decision

Defending its decision to deploy Central forces inside National Institute of Technology (NIT) in Srinagar, the government said in Parliament on Tuesday that it was not a suo moto or unilateral step but it was done following requests from the institute authorities.

“It was not our decision, not a suo moto decision. There was a request from the NIT authorities and hence the decision was taken to deploy Central forces in the campus. It was not a unilateral decision of the Central government,” minister of state for home Kiren Rijiju said during Question Hour.

Mr Rijiju’s remarks came after Congress chief whip Jyotiraditya Scindia alleged that by deploying the Central forces in the NIT campus, the Central government had undermined the Jammu and Kashmir police.

The NIT in Srinagar had witnessed clashes between local and outstation students after India lost to West Indies in World T-20 semi-final match on March 31, following which paramilitary forces were deployed at the campus.

Mr Scindia accused the Jammu and Kashmir police of “brutally” attacking the protesting students of NIT, claiming that they resorted to lathicharge on those students who were shouting slogans like “Bharat Mata ki jai”.

The Congress leader’s comments invited strong protests from treasury benches, particularly from BJP MP and former Union home secretary R.K. Singh, who said the Jammu and Kashmir police is known for its sacrifices for the country’s unity and integrity and such comments are unwarranted.

Mr Rijiju said it is a known fact that it is the state police which takes action wherever necessary and the Central forces only help the local authorities.

He said three companies of paramilitary personnel were deployed inside the NIT campus while outside is being guarded by the Jammu and Kashmir police.

AIMIM MP Asaduddin Owaisi also disapproved of Mr Scindia’s comments, saying 3,000 personnel of the J&K police have laid down their lives serving the nation.

He said after deployment of Central forces, there was a perception that non-locals can be protected only by Central forces, which was not good. “Alienation of youth has been increasing and if we do not take action to stop alienation of youth, there will be problems,” he said.