November 28, Srinagar: “It is not merely about raising pro-Pakistan slogans and is also about normalizing an abnormal: that everyone hates India (as different from the government of the day and party in power) “openly,” Jammu and Kashmir Police said in response to opinions and comments on the booking of some SKUAST-Kashmir students under UAPA for sloganeering during the India-Australia cricket World Cup final.
According to a police spokesman, many thoughts and remarks have been expressed on the legal notice given to the incidents involving anti-Indian sloganeering and intimidation of others who disagreed with them at a university after the end of a World Cup cricket match.
The public is informed about two crucial factors. First of all, it goes beyond just shouting pro-Pakistan chants. The whole context of the sloganeering is what matters. These slogans were used to intimidate anyone who disagreed and to identify and demonize those who chose to stay away, as has often been the case with a small number of bullies. It also involves normalizing the anomalies, he continued, adding that “openly” everyone despises India (as opposed to the current administration and political party).
The spokesman went on, “Terrorist and separatist networks are the main sponsors of this aberrant and deceptive activity. Put another way, the goal is not to express one’s personal support for a certain sports team. Freedom of speech and dissent are not relevant. Terrorizing anyone who could be fostering pro-India or anti-Pakistan sentiments or who dissents is the goal. Written complaints served as proof of this.
“Inciting, supporting, and fostering separatist ideology is the subject of Section 13 of the UAPA. Planning, supporting, and carrying out real terror actions are not the focus. Such acts are categorized as illegal by it. The statement said, “It is a softer provision of the act than other provisions.”
Because of this, FIR No. 317/2023 has been filed in accordance with the allegations, and Section 13 of the UAPA has been invoked for encouraging and abetting criminal activity. Additionally, it said that “public mischief” and “criminal intimidation” under Sections 505 and 506 of the IPC had been cited.
According to the police spokeswoman, a formal complaint is the foundation for filing a formal complaint report (FIR), and relevant sections are cited in accordance with the substance of the complaint.
