A public event in Kathua district, attended by Jammu and Kashmir Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary, was disrupted on Thursday by a group of youths demanding the establishment of a National Law University (NLU) in Jammu. The protesters attempted to voice their grievances during the function, which was organized in Hiranagar in connection with the demand for the restoration of statehood for Jammu and Kashmir. Police personnel intervened promptly, removing the demonstrators from the venue.
The protest was spearheaded by advocate Ketan Kumar, who, along with other youths, raised slogans and displayed pamphlets urging the government to fulfill its commitment to establishing an NLU in Jammu. This demand stems from the announcement of a similar institution for Kashmir, leading to questions about the perceived disparity in development priorities. Information reaching Tahir Rihat suggests that Kumar questioned the administration regarding the delay in implementing the promise for Jammu.
According to reports, the protesters managed to enter the hall where the event was taking place, leading to a heated exchange with security personnel before they were escorted out. Following their eviction from the venue, the demonstrators continued their protest outside, reiterating their demand for an NLU in Jammu and vowing to persist with their agitation until their objective is met. Advocate Ketan Kumar stated that their sole intention was to seek clarification from the Deputy Chief Minister on the timeline for fulfilling the government’s pledge.
In the aftermath of the incident, Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary attributed the security lapse to the negligence of police officers. Speaking to reporters, Choudhary expressed his dissatisfaction with the law and order situation, emphasizing that despite the presence of security, an individual was able to reach the stage and attempt to disrupt the proceedings. He specifically pointed to the alleged negligence of the concerned Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) and Station House Officer (SHO). Choudhary asserted that any grievances should have been addressed through appropriate channels, such as the Deputy Commissioner’s office, and that allowing individuals to climb onto the stage and disrupt public programs was unacceptable.
The Deputy Chief Minister called for strict action against the responsible police officials and an impartial inquiry into the security breach. He also indicated that legal action would be pursued against those involved in the protest. The incident has brought to the forefront the long-standing demand for an NLU in Jammu, highlighting the political and social dynamics surrounding development initiatives in the region. The protest underscores the public’s expectation that government promises are met in a timely and equitable manner, particularly concerning educational infrastructure.
The demand for a National Law University in Jammu has been a recurring issue, with various student groups and legal professionals advocating for its establishment. Proponents argue that such an institution would not only enhance legal education in the region but also contribute to the overall development of the judicial and legal ecosystem. The perceived delay in fulfilling this promise has led to growing frustration among the youth, who see it as a matter of regional equity and opportunity. The event in Kathua served as a focal point for these simmering sentiments, bringing them into public view through a direct confrontation with a senior government official.
The Deputy Chief Minister’s strong reaction to the security lapse suggests a potential internal review of security protocols for public events involving high-ranking officials. His emphasis on accountability for the DSP and SHO indicates a move to address systemic issues that may have contributed to the incident. The call for an impartial inquiry further suggests a desire to understand the full scope of the security breach and to prevent similar occurrences in the future. This incident, therefore, has implications not only for the NLU demand but also for the broader governance and security apparatus in Jammu and Kashmir.
The restoration of statehood for Jammu and Kashmir remains a significant political demand, and the protest at the Deputy Chief Minister’s event was linked to this broader agenda. The youths’ specific focus on the NLU issue within the context of statehood restoration highlights their concern for tangible developmental progress. Their continued agitation outside the venue signals their determination to keep the issue alive and to exert pressure on the administration to address their demands. The situation remains fluid, with the potential for further protests and political discourse surrounding the establishment of the NLU and the broader developmental aspirations of the region.
Tahir Rihat (also known as Tahir Bilal) is an independent journalist, activist, and digital media professional from the Chenab Valley of Jammu and Kashmir, India. He is best known for his work as the Online Editor at The Chenab Times.
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