NEW DELHI : Under attack over deployment of central forces inside NIT in Srinagar, the government today said in Lok Sabha that it was not a suo moto or unilateral decision but it was done following requests from the institute authorities.
“It was not our decision, not a suo moto decision. There was a request from the NIT authorities and hence the decision was taken to deploy central forces in the campus. It was not a unilateral decision of the central government,” Minister of State for Home Kiren Rijiju said.
Rijiju’s remarks during Question Hour came after Congress chief whip Jyotiraditya Scindia alleged that by deploying the central forces in the NIT campus, the central government had undermined the Jammu and Kashmir Police.
The NIT in Srinagar had witnessed clashes between local and outstation students after India lost to West Indies in World T-20 semi final match on March 31, following which paramilitary forces were deployed at the campus.
Scindia accused the Jammu and Kashmir Police of “brutally” attacking the protesting students of NIT, claiming that they resorted to lathicharge on those students who were shouting slogans like ‘Bharat Mata Ki Jai’.
The Congress leader’s comments invited strong protests from treasury benches, particularly from BJP MP and former Union Home Secretary R K Singh, who said Jammu and Kashmir Police is known for its sacrifices for the country’s unity and integrity and such comments are unwarranted.
Rijiju said it is a known fact that it is the state police which takes action wherever necessary and the central forces only help the local authorities.
He said three companies of paramilitary personnel were deployed inside the NIT campus while outside is being guarded by the Jammu and Kashmir Police.
A company of central forces comprises of around 100 personnel.
AIMIM member Asaduddin Owaisi also disapproved of Scidia’s comments saying 3,000 personnel of Jammu and Kashmir Police have laid down their lives serving the nation.
Owaisi said after deployment of central forces, there was a perception that non-locals can be protected only by central forces, which was not good.
“Alienation of youth has been increasing and if we do not take action to stop alienation of youth, there will be problems,” he said.(PTI)
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