Pune: Jammu and Kashmir Students Association’s Kashmiri Pandit wing president Krishna Saproo, an undergraduate student of a city college, has alleged that certain people took offence and threatened him because he recently attended a book discussion with author Mehak Jamal as the guest.Jamal has written ‘Loa’l Kashmir’ set in the Valley.Saproo alleged two women shouted at him and heckled him for “supporting the event.” He said the two women allegedly circulated messages with screenshots of him and called for his boycott. “The messages were posted on social media. I received online threats that I would be beaten and thrashed if seen anywhere. Our association has written to chief minister Devendra Fadnavis to intervene in the matter,” he said.In a release to the media, the association said books, debates and free exchange of ideas are the lifeblood of a democracy. “Threatening individuals for just participating in a book discussion undermines constitutional traditions and discourages youth from engaging in open discourse.”Saproo said most people abusing him online may not even know the reason. “It is disheartening to read the vicious posts vilifying me. People can have differing ideologies, but I cannot be questioned for attending a book discussion.”The association has urged the CM to ensure Saproo’s safety and act against those responsible.Asked why he did not approach the police, Saproo told TOI he thought the media statement would suffice. Meanwhile, police told TOI that nobody had complained to them and they were unaware of the development.
