Dinesh Kamath's Editorial ' Police action is justified' that was published in Newsband

Police action is justified

Why are cricket matches between India and Pakistan so special? That is because during these matches we witness both patriotism towards one’s country and love for the game displayed by both players and audiences.

 Meerut police happened to book a group of students from Jammu and Kashmir on a charge of sedition because they cheered for the Pakistan cricket team during a closely fought one-day match against India and celebrated Pakistan’s victory. If those Kashmiris love Pakistan so much they should be given one way ticket to Pakistan, for that is what Pakistan was created for, for all Muslims who do not wish to be in India, to go there.

Some citizens in Kashmir feel India as a separate country and recognize Pakistan as their country. Terrorism, backwardness etc. are all there. Government should invest more and more and bring them to the main stream of the nation.

Some sections of the society are vested with unfettered rights to do what they want, even if it means mocking or hurting the sentiments of others, while this same sections violently protest if others "mock or hurt" their sentiments.

This is not the first time such misplaced enthusiasm was found among the Kashmiri students who do not hesitate to belittle India. In the past too such incidents have happened in Kashmir. What is required is an all out effort to make the Kahmiris feel as Indians.

There are some who defend these students by saying that they were just exercising their freedom of expression. Does that mean that one should allow the continuation of anti-India campaign from the college campus? Is shouting anti-India and pro-Pakistan slogans a part of 'Right to Freedom of Expression'? In fact, the students should be sternly told not to exhibit this behavior anywhere in India again.

It is true that such type of action will intensify the alienation of Kashmiris from the Indian mainstream. But the Kashmiris and other Muslims must respect India and everything that is from India. How can you support Pakistan against India - whether it is a game or any other thing? Lesson must be taught to such people, and action in Meerut is justified.