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Controversy Erupts Over Army Training of College Students in Neelum: Journalist and Activist Arrested
Neelum Valley (The Azadi Times) – A storm of controversy has erupted in Azad Jammu and Kashmir after students from Government Girls Degree College Athmuqam were reportedly taken to an army camp for firing practice as part of the Kashmir Youth Skills Development Program (Phase 3). The incident has sparked intense debate, leading to the arrest of a journalist and a social activist who criticized the move.
According to reports, female students were transported to an army camp as part of their training program, where they participated in military firing tests. This development has drawn sharp criticism on social media, with many questioning the appropriateness of involving college students in such activities. Social media users have also heavily criticized the college administration and staff for sending students to a military camp, citing concerns over the nature and necessity of this training.
In response to the backlash, authorities filed an FIR and arrested both a journalist and a social activist for raising concerns over the issue. The detentions have ignited outrage across Azad Kashmir, with journalists and members of civil society strongly condemning the arrests and calling for the immediate release of the detainees.
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The Azad Kashmir Journalists’ Association and other civic organizations have expressed solidarity with the arrested individuals, highlighting the importance of freedom of speech and the press. They argue that questioning government and institutional decisions is a fundamental right in any democratic society.
Critics of the move have raised several pressing questions:
- Was military training essential under the educational program?
- Why were female students taken to an army camp without public disclosure or parental consent?
- Is the arrest of those questioning such decisions a violation of fundamental rights?
The issue has also drawn attention internationally, as rights groups and media watchdogs monitor the developments closely. Many argue that the arrests represent a troubling crackdown on dissent and accountability in the region.
As of now, neither the college administration nor the army officials involved in the program have issued any official statements clarifying the intent or objectives of this military training. Calls for transparency and accountability in this matter continue to grow louder, both locally and internationally.
This controversy raises broader concerns about the balance between education and militarization, freedom of expression, and the role of public institutions in addressing criticism constructively rather than suppressing it.
The Azadi Times will continue to closely follow this unfolding story and provide updates as more information becomes available.
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