STATE TIMES NEWS
Srinagar: Former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday urged West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to look into reports that Kolkata police was seeking information about Kashmiri students residing in the state with the latter telling him the issue was related to the Centre.
Omar then questioned the Union Home Ministry’s motive in reportedly compiling data about students from Jammu and Kashmir in other states.
“This raises the wider question – why is MHA ordering states to compile dossiers/data of J&K students like this?” Omar tweeted.
Earlier, urging Banerjee to look into reports that Kolkata police was seeking information about Kashmiri students residing in the state, he said, “Dear @MamataOfficial, can you please look in to this police order? Info(rmation) gathering shouldn’t become harassment,” Omar said.
Responding to the tweet, Banerjee said, “@abdullah_omar Issue related to MHA. But let me assure u (you), people of J&K r (are) welcome. We assure them peace of mind to enjoy beautiful Bengal.”
The National Conference working president had raised the issue with the West Bengal Chief Minister after a media report claimed Kolkata Police has asked education institutions to submit details of students from Jammu and Kashmir to it for onward transmission to Union Home Ministry.
Quoting the note, the report said, “Please let me know that students, whose residential addresses is under the State of Jammu and Kashmir, studies in your Institution for onwards transmission to the Ministry of Home Affairs, North Block, New Delhi, Govt. of India.”
Omar also drew the attention of Trinamool Congress MP Derek O’Brien to the issue.
“Why are these students being singled out? cc @quizderek Police ask Kolkata colleges to give details of J&K students,” Omar said.
