Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru (SP)
Bengaluru, Aug 14: A NGO, Amnesty International India, had organized a programme titled, 'broken families' at United Theological College at Millers Road, Vasanth Nagar here on the night of Saturday August 13. At the workshop, said to have been aimed at sympathizing with Kashmiris, slogans were raised against Indian army.
The 'Azadi' slogans raised here, which reminded one of similar slogans raised at Jawaharlal Nehru University's students rally during February this year, have given rise to a sense of disbelief, shock and heartburn.
Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad activists, who were present, not only raised objections to this attitude on the spot, but also organized protest there. This gave rise to tension in the area.
The workshop arguably was aimed at discussing about the army operation and state of affairs of Kashmiris. Members of some Kashmiri families were invited to the programme. They were made to explain about the harassment and problems they underwent at the hands of the Indian army. At this point, some words in favour of and against the army were heard. Some rained accusations on Indian army and blamed the army of torturing them. When a media person present started to support the army, a group of youngsters prepared to assault him.
A part of the young gathering raised slogans on the JNU lines, like "Jaan Se Lenge Azadi, Zor Se Lenge Azadi', 'Indian Army se Hame Chahiye Azadi', etc and intensified slogans demanding withdrawal of the army from Kashmir.
ABVP activists present, who were only a handful, condemned this development, came out of the college, and organized protest against the organizers of the programme. They started shouting slogans hailing Bharat Mata and against divisive forces.
One of the ABVP activists, Tanmayee, angrily questioned as to who gave permission to the separatists to hold programme in the city, and what right they have to demand separation of Kashmir from India. "The discussions were in support of the terrorist, Burhan Wani, who was recently slain by the army at Kashmir. They are staging a play in his favour, and praying for his rebirth. We have recorded the programme on video and have handed the same to police," she added.
The programme was held with police security from 7 pm to 8.45 pm. As slogans against Indian army started to rent the venue at the end, policemen stopped the programme. Thereafter, ABVP activists began their protest outside.