Asif Iqbal Naik
Jammu/New Delhi, May 1: The Jammu and Kashmir Students Association (JKSA) on Friday launched a sharp attack on Pakistan over its remarks concerning recent developments at Jamia Millia Islamia, asserting that India’s internal affairs are “sovereign, non-negotiable, and beyond external scrutiny.”
In a strongly worded statement, JKSA National Convenor Nasir Khuehami termed Pakistan’s comments “misplaced and unwarranted,” accusing it of attempting to interfere in India’s domestic matters. He said Pakistan has “no locus standi” to comment on issues concerning Indian universities or democratic institutions.
“This is entirely India’s internal issue. Pakistan must refrain from poking its nose into matters that do not concern it,” Khuehami asserted, categorically rejecting any external commentary on campus-related developments.
The Association also highlighted the historic and ideological significance of Jamia Millia Islamia, describing it as a key institution rooted in India’s freedom struggle and constitutional ethos. It said the university represents inclusive education, pluralism, and national integration, and cautioned against selectively invoking its legacy to internationalise localized issues.
Addressing the controversy linked to an event associated with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, Khuehami noted that disagreements among students are a natural part of democratic discourse. “Universities are spaces for debate and dissent. These matters will be resolved through constitutional and institutional mechanisms—not external interference,” he said.
JKSA’s Jamia Unit President Sharif Khan echoed the sentiment, underlining India’s strong democratic framework, including an independent judiciary, free media, and active civil society. He stressed that India does not require external validation or lectures on democratic values or minority rights.
The Association further warned against attempts to internationalise domestic discourse or misrepresent campus-level debates as systemic crises. “Such efforts undermine the agency of students and distort the reality of democratic engagement in India,” the statement read.
Reaffirming India’s sovereignty, Khuehami concluded, “Before commenting on India, Pakistan should introspect and address its own internal challenges. India’s internal matters are not open to foreign interpretation or intervention.”
