The spark of discontent has once again begun to ignite in Jammu. The controversy over MBBS seats at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Medical College had not yet fully subsided when a new political and student movement has emerged regarding the National Law University (NLU).
Students and youth in Jammu allege that the government is once again neglecting Jammu and is preparing to move the proposed National Law University to Kashmir. This fear has heated up the academic atmosphere in Jammu.
“Publicity in the Valley before the announcement, that’s the biggest question”
Law students say that while no formal announcement has been made by the central government regarding the NLU, publicity surrounding the university’s opening in Budgam has already begun.
Students question: If no decision has been made, what is the basis for the publicity?
āJammu is a better option in every respectā
On Friday, students from the Law Department of Jammu University protested, stating that:
Jammu’s climate is conducive to academic pursuits
It’s easy for students from across the country to reach here
Universities, courts, and other institutions already exist here
The students clearly stated that Jammu is a better option for NLU on every scale.
āIf the decision is wrong, a major movement is certainā
The students warned the government that if NLU is shifted from Jammu to Kashmir, a massive public movement will arise in Jammu.
This movement could be even bigger than the Vaishno Devi Medical College controversy.
BJP’s allegation: āPolitics of dividing Jammu and Kashmirā
The BJP has launched a scathing attack on the government over this entire issue.
BJP leaders say that the NC is deliberately playing Jammu versus Kashmir politics and that educational institutions are being used as pawns in regional politics.
The BJP is preparing to raise this issue strongly in the upcoming budget session.
āEvery institution was obtained only after a struggle.ā
Law student Arshi said, āJammu has had to fight for its rights every time.
Be it Jammu University, the Agricultural University, or the Central Universityā
nothing was obtained without a struggle.ā
She reminded that even major institutions like AIIMS, IIT, and IIM were obtained by Jammu only after protests.
āIf we want NLU, there will be a fight.ā
Students say that if the government wants to open a National Law University in Kashmir, let it do soā
but Jammu should also get a separate National Law University.
Jammu will not tolerate any more neglect.
The question is clearā
Will the government repeat history or give Jammu its due in time?
