Shehla Rashid, an alumna of Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), has praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah for achieving a peaceful political resolution to the Jammu and Kashmir dispute. In an excerpt shared by news agency ANI, she expressed her admiration for the two leaders. The full interview is set to be released on November 15.
When asked about her stance on the stone pelters, the former JNU student acknowledged supporting them in 2010 but clarified her current perspective. She stated, “But today when I see it, I am much more grateful for today’s situation. Kashmir is not Gaza; it has become clear that Kashmir is not Gaza. Kashmir was just involved in these back-and-forth protests and sporadic incidents of insurgency and infiltrations.”
Shehla Rashid attributed the developments in Jammu and Kashmir to the initiatives of PM Modi and Union Minister Amit Shah. She acknowledged their efforts, stating, “All of those things, somebody needed to break the ice, and for that, I would like to credit the present government, especially the Prime Minister and the Home Minister. They have ensured a political solution to it, which I would say is bloodless.”
In addition, Shehla Rashid delved into the changes that took place at Jawaharlal Nehru University, highlighting the impact of anti-India protests on the campus. She also mentioned the arrests of radical Muslim and former research scholar Umar Khalid and then JNU Student Union president Kanhaiya Kumar. The charges against them were related to criminal conspiracy and sedition in connection with the anti-Hindu riots in northeast Delhi.
She pointed out, “It wasn’t just a life-changing experience for the three of us; the entire university community felt the repercussions of that incident. There was a considerable backlash against anything associated with JNU. Overnight, JNU transformed from an elite university, celebrated for its liberal arts and social sciences, into a derogatory term. It was almost like a curse. What were the usual slogans in JNU?” she questioned, adding, “Lal Salam. No such slogans as ‘Bharat Tere Tukde Honge’ have ever been raised at JNU.”
War does not decide who is right, only who is left! While narratives & counter-narratives muddy the waters, India’s clear & principled stance emphasises the basics. Proud that @DrSJaishankar an alumnus of our University is leading India’s foreign policy under PM @narendramodi https://t.co/ezRS7PjQoO
— Shehla Rashid (@Shehla_Rashid) November 4, 2023
Importantly, Shehla Rashid has consistently expressed support for the actions of the Modi government. Recently, she commended India’s resolute stance on the Israel-Palestine conflict, stating, “While narratives & counter-narratives muddy the waters, India’s clear and principled stance emphasises the basics. Proud that Dr S Jaishankar, an alumnus of our University, is leading India’s foreign policy under PM Narendra Modi.”
She emphasised that her positive comments on some government initiatives were rooted in truth. She stated, “I am saying good things about some of the government’s initiatives because they are true. Polarisation demands that we oppose something/someone just for the sake of it. But rationality demands otherwise.”
Many people, old friends, etc. ask me why I’m saying good things about some of the govt’s initiatives. Simple answer: because they’re true! Polarization demands that we oppose something/someone just for the sake of it. But rationality demands otherwise. 🙂 https://t.co/ehHGwFzWNe
— Shehla Rashid (@Shehla_Rashid) November 5, 2023
Shehla Rashid expressed her appreciation for being an Indian, sharing, “Looking at the events in the Middle East, today I realise how lucky we are as Indians. The Indian Army and security forces have sacrificed everything for our safety.” She tagged the Offices of the Prime Minister and Home Minister, Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir Manoj Sinha, and the Indian Army, giving them credit “for bringing peace in Kashmir.”
Looking at the events in the Middle East, today I realise how lucky we are as Indians. The Indian Army and security forces have sacrificed their everything for our safety.
Credit where it’s due @pmoindia @HMOIndia @manojsinha_ @adgpi @ChinarcorpsIA for bringing peace to Kashmir https://t.co/qeUCkJq9g3
— Shehla Rashid (@Shehla_Rashid) October 14, 2023
Commending the leadership of the PM Modi government and the administration of LG Manoj Sinha, Shehla Rashid acknowledged the improvement in human rights records in Kashmir. She stated, “By a purely utilitarian calculus, the government’s clear stance has helped save lives overall. That’s my angle.”
It’s noteworthy that Shehla Rashid, once a vehement critic of the Centre, is now consistently taking a stand for the country and endorsing the policies of the Modi government, particularly in light of the revocation of Article 370.
