When Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) professor Amitabh Mattoo declined to take over as the vice-chancellor of a Central university in Jammu, it surprised. But tweets from Mattoo and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah have unraveled the mystery.
"Great relief to get out of this central university mess. Now, the freedom to take on those responsible for destroying peace (in J-K)," tweeted Mattoo on Monday evening.
Mattoo, in the first week of February, had written to hrd minister Kapil Sibal and expressed his unwillingness to be the V-C of the Jammu Central University. He was appointed on December 21 last year. The appointment, however, attracted opposition from political parties in the state because "they wanted someone from the region".
Mattoo, a Kashmiri Pandit, avoided naming those who were responsible for destroying peace in J-K. "With the support of the media, we should be able to expose the invisible and visible hands," tweeted Mattoo to a journalist.
Mattoo's tweets inferred that his decision to join as the V-C could have impacted dissemination of his opinion over the Kashmir issue. Mattoo teaches at JNU's International Studies School. Mattoo's tweet elicited a quick response from Omar. "For the record, I'm very sorry you withdrew your name for V-C JCU, great pity," tweeted Abdullah. To which, Mattoo explained: "Thanks so much for your support. At your convenience, I will explain reasons in person".
The tweets attracted attention of many of Mattoo and Abdullah's followers. "(You) mean a V-C can't be a PEACEMONGER?" asked a follower to Mattoo.
{{/usCountry}}The tweets attracted attention of many of Mattoo and Abdullah's followers. "(You) mean a V-C can't be a PEACEMONGER?" asked a follower to Mattoo.
{{/usCountry}}Mattoo replied: "Thought about it carefully. Believe me it was a hard decision".