Srinagar, Jan 15 (JKNS): Cabinet Minister Sakina Itoo on Thursday said that the proposed Law University can be established at any suitable location in Jammu and Kashmir, asserting that its academic and social benefits will extend to students across the entire Union Territory.
Speaking to reporters as per news agency JKNS, Minister Itoo said the National Conference-led government is committed to ensuring equal opportunities for students from all regions, including Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh. She said the focus of the government is on access and inclusivity rather than regional competition over location.
“The NC government does not discriminate among regions. Whether the Law University is set up in Baramulla, Anantnag, Budgam or anywhere else, it will cater to students from all parts of Jammu and Kashmir,” she said.
Reacting to protests by certain groups in Jammu demanding that the university be established exclusively there, the minister said some elements were attempting to create regional divisions. She maintained that while people have the right to voice their demands, such issues should not be politicised.
“People are free to put forth their demands. If they wish, they can even seek the establishment of two universities—one in Jammu and another in Kashmir,” Itoo added.
Her remarks come in the backdrop of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah’s recent comments questioning the absence of similar protests when premier institutions like IIT and IIM were established in Jammu and not in Kashmir. —(JKNS)