Significance of NIT Srinagar’s dos and don’ts ahead of India-Pak cricket match

The National Institute of Technology (NIT) in Srinagar has asked its students not to watch Sunday’s India-Pakistan Asia Cup cricket match in groups or post anything related to it on social media platforms, according to PTI.

The order

The government-run NIT administration released a notice on Saturday evening, directing students to “take sports as a game” and not create any kind of indiscipline. The Dean of Students Welfare said, “During the match, the students are directed to remain in their allotted rooms,” and warned students of a fine of Rs. 5,000 if they are caught watching the cricket match in groups.

Why the precautionary step?

Of late, cricket matches between the countries triggered tensions in various parts of the country, with the authorities in many cases imposing stringent provisions of law under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA). In Kashmir the situation turned even more hostile. For example, a T-20 cricket World Cup match turned sour last October when multiple J&K students were booked under UAPA for allegedly celebrating Pakistan’s win. Three Kashmiri students in Agra were booked under sedition, reportedly for posting celebratory messages for Pakistan on social media. In Srinagar, two medical college students were booked under the UAPA for praising Pakistan.

‘Avoid social media’

The order also suggested students to avoid posting anything related to the match on social media platforms. Further, the varsity said if a group of students is found watching a patch in a particular room, the student who has been allotted the said room will be debarred from the hostel. The notice also directed students to “avoid posting” anything related to the match on social media. Students have also been told to stay in their rooms during and after the match.

Student leaders issue advisory

The Jammu and Kashmir Students Association (JKSA), a national student body, issued an advisory on Friday regarding the match. Along similar lines, JKSA said, “Take sports as a game and don’t create any kind of indiscipline in institutions across the country. Think about your family; You and your career matter.” The body appealed to students to stay away from unnecessary debates and discussions.