Drop charges against J&K student, association asks Shah, Rajasthan CM

Pupil was jailed following ‘objectionable’ remarks on Ram Temple

The Jammu and Kashmir Students Association (JKSA) today appealed to Home Minister Amit Shah and Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma to drop cases against Jammu and Kashmiri student Sohrab Qayoom on humanitarian grounds.

The charges and FIR against him could ruin his future and the association believes that providing an opportunity for rehabilitation is essential for the youth’s growth and development. We request the dropping of charges and FIR against Qayoom,” a statement by the JKSA read.

“We condemn the actions of Qayoom, who used objectionable remarks about demolished Babri Masjid and Ram Mandir, in the harshest terms,” the statement further read.

National convenor of the association, Nasir Khuehami, said he was deeply concerned over the potential consequences this incident may have on the student’s future.

Khuehami said Qayoom, who is from Poonch area of Jammu, is currently enrolled in the B Pharmacy course at Mewar University, Chittorgarh, Rajasthan, under the Army’s Special Scholarship Scheme.

“The scheme was launched as part of Operation Sadbhavana, with the goal of providing educational opportunities to underprivileged students. He was arrested by Chittorgarh Rajasthan Police and currently lodged in Gangrar police station. An FIR under Sections 151, 153A, 295A and 505 of the IPC has been registered against him,” Khuehami said.

“The association unequivocally condemns the student’s actions and urges all Kashmiri students to refrain from writing provocative content on social media that could add fuel to the fire,” he added. Khuehami said he had requested Home Minister Amit Shah and Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma to consider Sohrab Qayoom’s case on humanitarian grounds.

Khuehami said he acknowledged that Qayoom’s actions may have been driven by immaturity rather than malice, and the association believes in the possibility of reform and redemption. “The impact of these charges on his academic and future career prospects cannot be understated and there is fear it may result in irreversible damage to his life,” the association said.

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Courtesy: The Daily Tribune: 2nd January, 2024