'Cannot allow Jammu-type politics in Kashmir'

The standoff between students supporting the Kashmir University Students Union and the authorities continued for third consecutive day.

The standoff between students supporting the Kashmir University Students Union and the authorities continued for third consecutive day. A police contingency team dispersed protesting students several times on Thursday as Vice-Chancellor Riyaz Punjabi reiterated not to "allow Jawahar Lal University or Jammu University-type students politics on the campus."

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"We have a different situation in Kashmir. In JNU or Jammu University, you have only mainstream political parties but in Kashmir you have separatists as well. If we allow students union on the campus and separatist tomorrow want to set-up their union, we can't stop them," Punjabi told the media persons.

But he was quick to add: "I am not against student politics but will only let it happen gradually".

The Vice Chancellor asked students to start from literary and cultural activities. They (students) should build our confidence," he added.

Since morning, KUSU supporters protested on the campus demanding revocation of the ban on the union. Security personnel with the Kashmir University Proctor's office allegedly thrashed some students and snatched their cards. Later, the students presented bouquets to the Chief Proctor.