SRINAGAR — The Jammu and Kashmir Students Association (JKSA) on Wednesday condemned remarks attributed to Uttar Pradesh Minister Thakur Raghuraj Singh, who reportedly described Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) and Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI) as “hubs of terrorists” and threatened to shut down the institutions.
JKSA National Convenor Nasir Khuehami said such remarks risked communalising education, stigmatising students and undermining institutions that have contributed to India's educational and intellectual development.
The association demanded Singh's removal from the Uttar Pradesh Council of Ministers and the registration of an FIR against him under appropriate legal provisions. It also called for a time-bound investigation into his remarks.
Khuehami said elected representatives holding public office should not use their positions to malign educational institutions or create an atmosphere of fear and hostility among students.
“It is disturbing that instead of addressing the pressing challenges confronting India's education sector, an elected representative is busy demonising universities, branding their students as potential terrorists and threatening to shut down institutions because of their names and identities,” Khuehami said.
The association maintained that AMU and Jamia had played significant roles in India's educational and intellectual history and had produced generations of personalities who contributed to the country's political, administrative, sporting and cultural life.
It said universities should be recognised for their academic contributions rather than judged by the religious identities associated with their names.
“Jamia and AMU are integral to India's educational heritage and national fabric. They deserve recognition for their contributions, not political vilification and threats of closure,” Khuehami said.
He added that the campuses were centres of learning, research, debate and scientific inquiry, and should not become targets of political or communal rhetoric.
The association also criticised what it described as attempts to use students and universities for political gain, arguing that the focus should be on strengthening educational institutions, expanding research facilities and improving infrastructure and opportunities for young people.
JKSA urged the BJP's national leadership and the Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister to publicly condemn the remarks and take action against Singh.
The association reiterated that students and educational institutions should not be collectively stigmatised over statements or actions attributed to individuals.
The article first appeared on The Kashmir Pulse at https://kashmirpulse.com/india/jksa-demands-sacking-of-up-minister-over-remarks-on-amu-jamia/117353.html
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