ABVP has demanded an NIA investigation into the alleged murder of Indian student Sawariya Basant in Uzbekistan. Calling it a case related to Love Jihad, the Council has accused the people of pressure for conversion and murder for protesting.
New Delhi [भारत]July 12 (ANI): Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) has expressed deep grief and concern over the alleged brutal murder of Indian student Sawariya Basant studying at Bukhara State Medical Institute in Uzbekistan and demanded that the entire matter be investigated by the National Investigation Agency (NIA).
As per the facts available in the public domain, the student was allegedly put under constant pressure to convert and when she resisted, she was brutally murdered. According to a press release, this incident cannot be seen as just a normal criminal incident.
Allegations of love jihad and conspiracy
Prima facie, it also raises serious concerns about an organized conspiracy, radical extremist ideology and a well-organized criminal network operating under the guise of Love Jihad. Therefore, it is imperative that all aspects of the case, including possible organized nexus, financial ties and international connections, are investigated impartially and expeditiously by the National Investigation Agency (NIA), and the culprits are punished to the fullest extent of the law.
Concern in ABVP’s proposal
During the National Executive Council meeting of Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad held in Bhubaneswar, a resolution titled “Curbing the organized criminal and jihadi mentality behind exploitation of women and religious conversion” was adopted. The resolution clearly highlights that organized efforts involving love jihad, fraud, false identification, psychological pressure, cyber blackmail and coordinated networks targeting women and young girls for exploitation and illegal religious conversion are a matter of grave national concern.
ABVP strongly believes that such acts not only violate the dignity, freedom and constitutional rights of women, but also pose a serious threat to social harmony, national unity and internal security, the press release said.
Appeal to the Ministry of External Affairs
ABVP has urged the Ministry of External Affairs to coordinate with the Indian Embassy and relevant authorities in Uzbekistan to ensure that the accused is brought to justice at the earliest and the harshest punishment is given to him through all necessary diplomatic and legal measures. At the same time, an effective protection and support mechanism should be developed for Indian students studying abroad, especially female students, the press release further said.
In line with the resolution adopted by the National Executive Council, ABVP reiterates the need for a strict national legal framework, a strong investigative mechanism, fast-track judicial processes, awareness campaigns in educational institutions and women empowerment initiatives like Mission Sahasaari to effectively combat love jihad, exploitation of women, fraudulent conversion, cyber blackmail and other similar organized crimes.
ABVP General Secretary’s statement
ABVP national general secretary Virendra Singh Solanki said, “The brutal murder of Indian student Sawariya Basant in Uzbekistan is extremely sad and a matter of grave concern. If a student was pressured to convert and was murdered for resisting such pressure, then the investigation should not be limited to treating it as an individual criminal act. If any organized network associated with Love Jihad or any radical extremist ecosystem is found to be involved, then the entire conspiracy ABVP reiterates its demand for an NIA investigation in this case, exemplary punishment to the culprits, a comprehensive national mechanism to ensure the safety of Indian students studying abroad, and a strong legal framework to curb love jihad and fraudulent conversions targeting women. It is the responsibility of the government to ensure the dignity, safety and constitutional rights of women, and any leniency towards such organized crimes should be completely exposed. Kind of unacceptable.” (ANI)
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