Srinagar: Seven students from Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (SKUAST)–Kashmir were arrested under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) for allegedly raising anti-India slogans and celebrating India's loss in the World Cup 2023 final. The arrests were made under section 13 of UAPA, considered a softer provision, with police stating that the incident aimed to intimidate and terrorize those with pro-India or anti-Pakistan sentiments. The students were accused of abusing and threatening a non-local student supporting Team India, leading to a police complaint. Politicians, including Mehbooba Mufti and Omar Abdullah, condemned the arrests, questioning the use of UAPA against students. Mehbooba Mufti called for an inquiry, emphasizing the need to win hearts and minds rather than resorting to arrests.

Politicians Condemn Arrest of Kashmiri Students for Celebrating India's Cricket Loss

Former J-K Chief Ministers Mehbooba Mufti and Omar Abdullah criticized the arrest of seven Kashmiri students under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) for celebrating India's loss in the World Cup 2023 final. Mufti termed the arrests as "shocking" and urged Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha to investigate the issue. She highlighted the misuse of UAPA against youth, journalists, and students in J-K. Omar Abdullah expressed concern over the criminalization of cheering for a winning team, emphasizing that UAPA, meant for terrorists, was now being used against students. Both leaders questioned the fear and paranoia over students celebrating Australia's win and stressed the need to win hearts and minds.

Police Defend Arrests of Kashmiri Students Under UAPA

The Jammu and Kashmir Police defended the arrests of seven Kashmiri students under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) for celebrating India's cricket loss in the World Cup 2023 final. Police clarified that the arrests were made under section 13 of UAPA, a softer provision, and highlighted the students' actions to intimidate and terrorize those with differing sentiments. The complaint leading to the arrests was filed by a non-local student who alleged abuse and threats from the accused students supporting Team India. The police noted that the incident was not just about pro-Pakistan slogans but aimed at identifying and vilifying those with opposing views.

Complaint by Non-Local Student Leads to Arrests of Kashmiri Students

The arrests of seven Kashmiri students under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) were initiated based on a complaint by a non-local student from Punjab. The complainant alleged abuse and threats from the accused students, who celebrated India's cricket loss and chanted pro-Pakistan slogans during the World Cup 2023 final. The complaint stated that the actions created fear among students from outside the Union Territory. The incident raised questions about the criminalization of celebrating a sporting event and the use of UAPA against students. The police defended the arrests, emphasizing the need to address written complaints and evidence of intimidation.

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