New Delhi: Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Kiren Rijiju is exclusively speaking to NDTV over his criticism of Delhi University student Gurmehar Kaur, a daughter of a martyr, over her social media posts, including one in May, when she had posted a video message using placards urging peace between India and Pakistan; one of them said, "Pakistan did not kill my dad, war killed him." Minister Rijiju, in a tweet, disapproved of a post by Ms Kaur saying, "Who's polluting this young girl's mind? A strong Arm Force prevents a war. India never attacked anyone but a weak India was always invaded." He further said, "Everyone has freedom of speech and expression. Do whatever you want but don't say anything against the country." A Facebook post by Ms Kaur against BJP-linked student outfit ABVP over campus violence is at the centre of a huge political row. She has two women constables for protection after she complained about death and rape threats.
Here are the highlights of the interview:
- There is a change in atmosphere on campuses.
- Government steps in if there are law and order issues on campuses.
- There is a problem over Afzal Guru and anti-India slogans.
- Too busy to go into Jawaharlal Nehru University probe details.
- The sedition law not clear and it is not easy for court to interpret.
- The sedition law is value so there is a delay in chargesheet.
- Gurmehar Kaur is a young girl. She has not seen the world.
- I was talking about leftists, not Ms Kaur.
- Leftists are backing Afzal Guru, separatists.
- I was shown the clip while I was campaigning in Manipur.
- The pollution of mind has been done by leftists.
- Left-wing extremists can have their viewpoint.
- I didn't know the whole thing; I was campaigning in a remote area.
- I am not much interested in social media.
- Ideological battle must be debated. There should be no violence.