AISA chief slams Karnataka Congress govt over student arrest FIRs

Neha Bora, chief of the All India Students Association, has levelled sharp criticism at the Karnataka Congress government, accusing it of a double standard in its approach to student protests and activism. The AISA leader's comments were prompted by the filing of First Information Reports against students in the state who had organised demonstrations in solidarity with activists Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam.

Bora drew attention to what she characterised as an inconsistency in the government's position. She noted that the Congress government had previously extended support to student protesters gathered at Jantar Mantar in Delhi, who were demonstrating against Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's policies. However, the same government has taken action against students within Karnataka expressing similar activist sentiment.

The controversy underscores ongoing tensions between student movements and state governments across India regarding the right to protest and freedom of expression. Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam, both activist figures, have been at the centre of various political and legal disputes in recent years. The filing of FIRs against Karnataka students aligns with broader instances of police action against those demanding their release or speaking out on their behalf.

Bora's remarks reflect growing criticism from student organisations and civil society groups questioning the consistency of government responses to activism depending on geography and political alignment.