28 July :Jammu University Teachers’ Association (JUTA) held a meeting on the 28th July where it strongly condemned the excesses committed by the Administration in trying to control the passions of the Jammu public in the aftermath of the incident where the JK Police tried to forcibly cremate the body of the Late Shri Kuldeep Kumar Verma. The Jammu public is understandably angry over this incident which demonstrates the utter insensitivity of the authorities when it comes to Public Sentiment in Jammu.What is also of concern is the mass arrests of the leaders associated with the various political and social organizations who are at the forefront of the peaceful movement. Violence only came after the public was provoked by the blatant disrespect to the dead body of Kuldeep Kumar Verma shown by the authorities.
Specifically the JUTA is concerned about the whereabouts and the well being of one of its members, Professor Nirmal Singh who is also one of the most respected statesmen of the State. The complete lack of knowledge post his arrest is worrisome especially in a democratic society like India which is supposed to follow the rule of law. If a respected person like Professor Nirmal Singh can be treated thus, we dread to think what ordinary citizens of Jammu are going through!
We call upon the authorities to unconditionally release all the persons arrested while taking part in peaceful demonstrations. Professor Nirmal Singh who was sitting near the body of the Martyr Shri Kuldeep Kumar Verma was picked up in the middle of the night although he had offered no provocation that could be construed to be threatening to law and order.
JUTA office bearers have also decided to set up a committee to investigate the handling of the demonstrations by the authorities as to whether the conduct of the authorities was in keeping with the law of the land as befits a democratic society.
JUTA is also concerned about the horrendous power situation in the Jammu province at a time when the examinations are almost upon us. JUTA believes that authorities have not satisfactorily explained as to why the power situation has deteriorated so badly. The people of Jammu are being greatly inconvenienced by this erratic power supply although it is this province that provides the power department with most of its revenue. The JUTA asks the authorities to take quick and adequate steps.