'New form of censorship’: Ashoka University professor on summons over Operation Sindoor post

In a forceful rebuke to what he calls “a new form of censorship”, the associate professor of political science at Ashoka University, Sonipat, has rejected allegations that prompted summons from the Haryana State Commission for Women. The commission had taken suo motu action against professor Ali Khan Mahmudabad regarding his social media post on Operation Sindoor and was asked to remain present on May 14.

Mahmudabad has issued a public statement and said that his legal team appeared before the commission and submitted a detailed reply on his behalf.

“The screenshots attached to the notice make it clear that my remarks have been completely misunderstood and that the commission has no jurisdiction whatsoever in the matter,” he said, adding that there was nothing in his posts that was contrary to the rights or laws protecting women.

Ashoka University, however, has distanced itself from the matter. “Comments made by a faculty member on his personal social media pages do not represent the opinion of the university. These statements have been made by him independently in his individual capacity,” it said in an official statement.

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‘Nothing misogynistic’: Ashoka University professor

Mahmudabad said that his Facebook post actually commended the Indian Armed Forces for appointing Colonel Sofia Qureshi and Wing Commander Vyomika Singh as spokespersons.

“My post appreciated the fact that the armed forces chose Colonel Sofia Qureshi and Wing Commander Vyomika Singh for the press conference to highlight the fact that the dream of the founders of our Republic, of an India which is united in its diversity, is still very much alive,” he said.

He further stated that his comments applauded the right-wing supporters who supported Colonel Qureshi and urged them to extend similar acceptance for common Indian Muslims, who, he argued, face “demonisation and persecution on a daily basis”.

“There is nothing remotely misogynistic about my comments that could be construed as anti-women,” he clarified, stating that his entire comments were about safeguarding the lives of both citizens and soldiers.

In the statement, Khan reaffirmed his commitment to constitutional values and the unity and integrity of the country. “I have exercised my fundamental right to freedom of thought and speech in order to promote peace and harmony and to applaud the Indian armed forces for their resolute action, while criticising those who preach hatred and seek to destabilise India,”: he said.

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‘Unnecessary controversy’

Mahmudabad expressed disappointment that the Commission’s interpretation of his post had led to an unnecessary controversy and termed the summons as an instance of overreach. “This is a new form of censorship and harassment, which invents issues where there are none,” he said.

“Ashoka University and all members of the Ashoka community are proud of India’s armed forces and support them, unequivocally, in their actions towards maintaining national security. We stand in solidarity with the nation and our forces,” Ashoka University had said in its statement.