‘Free Kashmir’ and ‘Free Sharjeel Imam’ slogans were found spray-painted on Jamia walls, prompting political reactions even as the university investigates the matter.
Controversial slogans, including ‘Free Kashmir’ and ‘Free Sharjeel Imam’, were found spray-painted on the walls of Jamia Millia Islamia in Delhi on Friday, drawing sharp political reactions amid an ongoing student agitation on campus. The identity of those responsible for writing the slogans remains unclear.
Union Minister Giriraj Singh condemned the slogans, alleging that they were part of a conspiracy by “anti-national forces”.
“Writing provocative slogans on university walls to shield those accused of sedition is directly part of a conspiracy by anti-national forces. These are the same people who have repeatedly worked to destabilise the country and spread anarchy,” Singh said in a statement in Hindi.
University sources told Times Now that the administration had taken cognisance of the matter. They alleged that CCTV footage related to the incident could not be recovered as the wires connecting to the CCTV were found to be cut and said the university would investigate to identify those responsible. The university has also condemned the incident.
Other slogans spotted on campus included ‘RSS Go Back’ and ‘VC Go Back’. It remains unclear whether those who wrote the messages are connected to the ongoing student protest.
The incident comes as students continue an indefinite hunger strike demanding the restoration of the Jamia Millia Islamia Students’ Union and the announcement of an election schedule. The hunger strike began on October 12 and entered its second week earlier this week. The university has not held student union elections since 2006.
