Gleanings from the Media - Freedom Of Speech.  Koshur Samachar

[In early February this year, Progressive Democratic Students Union (PDSU) of the Jawaharlal Nehru University sought to organise a Seminar on Freedom of Speech which could not be held because of the violent opposition from a rival students Union at the campus which was against the former advocating anti-national propaganda in the garb of freedom of speech. We have come across an interesting letter from Col SR (Rid) 7, Vasant Marg, New Delhi, published in The Pioneer anda dated the 17th February 1996. In the context of all that is happening in Kashmir. Col Nanda's observations are pertinent and timely and we reproduce this letter here for the information of our readers-Editor]

Jawaharlal Nehru University was set up as an "Jawah autonomous body completely financed by the Central Government However, it cannot presume to have an independent identity and be allowed to preach or encourage anti-India propaganda under the garb of "Freedom of Speech". Since its establishment, JNU's students have indulged more in violent political propaganda than pursuing higher learning. On Feb. 7, PDSU (Progressive Democratic Students Union) of JNU organised a seminar, 'Withdraw the Army rule from Jammu & Kashmir', which could not be held due to vehement protests because the pamphlet issued by PDSU stated inter-alia that the 'struggle of Kashmiris is that of national liberation. We must view this struggle as a part of democratic and progressive struggle of the people ... We support it.... the oppressive Indian Army must be withdrawn immediately'.

The questions that arise are whether the JNU charter allows its students to preach and question the country's unity and integrity. Does the freedom of speech encourage subversive ideas to destabilise the country? I wonder if the students affiliated to the PDSU understand the damage caused to progressive, liberal and secular ideas. Come to think of it, it might not be a bad idea if the activists of the PDSU were sent to Bangladesh or Pakistan on a study tour to preach such ideas and see for themselves the fun".

DISCLAIMER:

The views expressed in the Article above are Abhijit Chakravertty’s personal views and kashmiribhatta.in is not responsible for the opinions expressed in the above article.

Courtesy:  September 1996 Koshur Samachar