Jammu and Kashmir police arrest seven Kashmiri students for backing Pak in World Cup

Jammu and Kashmir Police arrested seven Kashmiri students from the regional agricultural university following allegations of harassment by a non-local student during the cricket World Cup final on November 19. 

The incident, which occurred at a veterinary college in Ganderbal, led to the arrest of these students under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) and certain sections of the Indian Penal Code related to public mischief and criminal intimidation.

The arrests were made on November 20 but were initially kept confidential to prevent any potential escalation of tensions. The complaint, filed by a non-local student from Punjab, accused the Kashmiri students of verbal abuse, raising pro-Pakistan slogans, and threatening him for supporting the Indian team during the match.

While the university officials confirmed that there was no violence on the campus, they mentioned that the complainant submitted a video to the police showing some students allegedly raising slogans in the dark. These students were in their fourth year and were close to completing their degrees.

The students remain in custody, and investigations into the case are ongoing. The university authorities have urged the government to reconsider the severity of the charges against the students, citing concerns about their future prospects.