Ahead of Indo-Pak clash, J&K Students Association issues advisory for Kashmiri students

NEW DELHI: Ahead of the upcoming India-Pakistan clash in the ICC World Cup 2023 on October 14, the Jammu and Kashmir Student Association (JKSA) has urged the students from the Union territory and studying at different universities across the country to take the game in its spirit and stay away from posts on social media which might lead them into trouble.

National Convenor of Association Nasir Khuehami asked the students to take it as just another game and stay away from trouble. We have urged Kashmiri students studying at different universities all over the nation to have their priority set for their education and career for which they have travelled to different parts of the nation from their home state of Jammu and Kashmir,”. The association reminds students of the sacrifices made by their family members - fathers who have worked tirelessly, brothers who have taken loans, sisters who have sold jewelry, and mothers who pray diligently for their well-being.

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He said that, the students need to take sports as a game and stay away from social media posts during and after the match, which might create any kind of indiscipline at any institution across the country or land them in trouble. They should not get involved in unnecessary debates, discussions or social media chat and should enjoy the game with true sportsman spirit,” JKSA appealed.

Khuehami said that, It's essential for students to recognise the the Political connotations and feelings attached to this game are very serious. So, Students should enjoy the game with the true spirit of a sportsman. The students must understand that by cheering for any particular team, they are putting themselves in a vulnerable position. Hence, students should take precautions to ensure their safety on campuses and in their accommodations while considering the well-being of their families back home.

Games and sports extend beyond mere entertainment; they teach us about brotherhood and peace. These events should serve as opportunities to foster unity and harmony, not violence, he added Further.

In past years every match has led to violence and even whatsapp messages have led to arrests. Three Kashmiri students, who were enrolled in RBS Engineering College, Agra, under the PM Special Scholarship Scheme for students of J&K, were arrested on October 28 last year for allegedly posting a WhatsApp post praising Pakistan players after their victory against India in a T20 cricket World Cup match.

The students were arrested after a case was registered against them under sections 153 A (promoting enmity and doing acts prejudicial to maintenance of harmony), 505(1)(b) (inducing to commit an offence against the state or the public tranquillity) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), besides Section 66F (cyber terrorism) of the Information Technology (Amended) Act, 2008, police sources said.