Under attack over the deployment of central forces inside NIT in Srinagar, the government on Tuesday said in Lok Sabha that it was not a suo moto or unilateral decision but it was done following requests from the institute authorities.
Minister of State for Home Kiren Rijiju said,
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.
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.
Jyotiraditya 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 RK 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.
(With inputs from PTI)
(At The Quint, we question everything. Play an active role in shaping our journalism by becoming a member today.)