We condemn this betrayal of Desh Drohi Kashmiri students: How KLE reacted to their students' 'anti-national' slur

In a strongly-worded statement, KLE Institute of Technology said that they stood by their "principles of patriotism and nationalism" and wanted their three Kashmiri students, accused of broadcasting anti-national slurs on the anniversary of the Pulwama attack, to be "punished" to the fullest extent possible under the law.

The statement released by KLE Institute of Technology's Principal Dr BS Anami,  read, "The three students from J&K were neither admitted under the merit or management quota of the college. Hence, their jurisdiction does not come under the management of our college. They were enrolled in our college under the Pradhan Mantri Special Scholarship Scheme for Jammu and Kashmir students and this quota is available in all the colleges across India."

They recounted their version of the events as they unfolded, "As soon as the video of these three students came to our notice on February 15, 2020, we registered a complaint in the Gokul Road Police Station in Hubballi at 11 am. The police officials visited our college and interrogated the students. Later, they were taken to the police station. The police officials accepted the complaint on the same day at 3.30 pm and registered an FIR against the students which has been signed by me. On the same day, we have suspended these students from our college." They were since rusticated. 

What has hurt them is media reports that they were siding with their students, "However, the TV channels have been broadcasting wrong news that the college administration and authorities have got (the students) bail or pressuring police officials to release these three students. We want to clarify that we have not pressured the police or got bail for these students. Instead, we ask that strict action be taken against these students as per the law and punish them."

In a vehement address, the Principal said, "KLE College had always stood for the principle of nationalism and patriotism. We will never tolerate such acts by anyone in our Institute. We condemn this act of betrayal towards the nation (Desha Droha) by these three students and they must be punished as per the law."