Srinagar, July 26: While student politics in Kashmir’s academic institutions has been a subject of debate for quite some time now, the ruling National Conference Thursday threw up a surprise by launching its first ever student union.
 The Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who is the Working President of National Conference, launched the “National Conference Student Union (NCSU)”, asserting that the students were “the torchbearers of a new and better tomorrow on whose shoulders lies the responsibility of state’s progress and prosperity.”
 The move, which is likely to trigger renewed discussion over the issue, comes amid debate over the presence of such unions in academic institutions, particularly the University of Kashmir, with mainstream politicians many a time pitching for “de-linking politics from academics.” It is also coming ahead of the Assembly elections in J&K in 2014—something on which the political parties have already started working.
 The NUSU formation is likely to shift focus on the continued ban on the student union at the University of Kashmir.
 While announcing the newly constituted office bearers of the NCSU, Omar named Usman Gani as its Provincial President (Kashmir), Nida Khan as Senior Vice President, Imran Pandit (Islamic University) as General Secretary, Iqram Shafiee as Joint Secretary, Naheed Iqbal as Spokesperson (Female), Pradeep Singh Spokesperson (Male), Irfan Kuchay as Treasurer, Hardeep Singh as Organizer and Omar Niyaz (Islamic University) as Organizing Secretary.
 Interacting with the office bearers, Omar said: “Dialogue, discussion and debate are the essence of democracy and need to be promoted for a healthy strong polity. We hope to create a huge number of young people who can present their own views with conviction and at the same time contribute to socio-political dynamics in an environment of mutual respect and tolerance.”
 “Time has come when students should come forward to develop their skills and compete at the global stage,” Omar said, adding, “Students activism is the need of the hour and I see an incredible enthusiasm in the students. They are upbeat and are very talented and I have absolutely no doubt that students from universities, colleges, will compete with anyone nationally or internationally.”
 He said: “With the amount of talent I see every time I visit universities and colleges I am sure we will have many future leaders amongst them and this is the right time for them to finesse their leadership qualities.”
 “University life is a new experience. A new world altogether and students should take the best out of it,” said Omar. “One has to understand that student hood is a transition from adolescence to adulthood where a student learns about his academics, his career goals and above all his personal discovery.”
 Appreciating the involvement of female students into active student politics, Omar said: “It’s an encouraging step and I am certain that time is not far when females will lead from the front.”
  “With proper grooming of students and by inculcating in them the spirit of public service, building confidence along with academic excellence, should throw up some future leaders who can lead not only the state but also the country,” he said.
 He said: “Emphasis should be placed on promoting parliamentary-style debating which will enable students to participate in international competitions. As NCSU you also should take a lead in organizing festivals, workshops, debates to get a wider participation” 
  “Your job is not only to highlight the demands of the student community but also to help them, guide them and lead them,” said Omar.
 Omar said that students worldwide have been successful in creating a huge change and students in J&K should also play an important role in the development of the state. “Without the active participation of youth we cannot progress or prosper and cannot change the system we live in,” he said.
 National Conference Spokesman Tanvir Sadiq while congratulating the students asked them to work for the student community and also ensure that their genuine demands are highlighted. He said the state should be represented at all levels.
 The spokesman said the students while thanking working president Omar Abdullah for fulfilling their “long pending demand” of forming NCSU assured him that they will work with zeal and “spread the teachings of the party and ensure that NCSU will win over students with compassion, truth and genuineness.”

Lastupdate on : Thu, 26 Jul 2012 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Thu, 26 Jul 2012 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Fri, 27 Jul 2012 00:00:00 IST