Rajouri (Jammu Province), Nov. 22: A fresh controversy has erupted at Baba Ghulam Shah Badshah University Rajouri today when some participants in an official function at the University Campus shown disrespect to the national anthem.
The event was concluding prpogramme of Inter-State (North Zone) Declamation contest which was chaired by Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, NN Vohra while University Vice Chancellor, Prof. Javed Masarat, Deputy Commissioner Rajouri, Army GOC (Romeo Force) and Registrar of the University were attending the event.
In the inauguration and at the end of this event, national anthem was sung by organisers and majority of the participants paid their respect and standing ovation to the national anthem.
However, some of the students of university didn't stand up for national anthem and were even busy taking selfie's when the national anthem was being played.
Many students showed their resentment over the disrespecting act of some of the participant by saying that such element should not have any place in this country and they should go to the country of their choice. Members of civil society have expressed strong resentment over this demanding action against such anti-national element who are thriving on the resources of this country but have their loyalties somewhere else.
A female student on condition of anonymity said, “Such anti-national element should be booked and punished for hurting national sentiments. They should be told that even China, the mentor of their beloved country has recently enhanced the punishment from 15 days to three years for violating spirit of national anthem.”
The disrespect to the National Anthem and National Flag is to be tried under the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971 which prohibits the desecration of or insult to the country's national symbols, including the National Flag and national anthem,
However, attempts for obtaining the comments of University authorities and Dy. Commissioner on the incident failed.
