The scientific fraternity of Sher-e-Kashmir University ofAgricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K) have condemned the “arbitrary and coercive act” of raiding at the residenceof their scientist Dr Syed NaseemGeelani.
“Arbitrary raids and quizzing of DrNaseemGeelani amounts toharassment and mental torture of such a scientist of reputes besides affectingthe university academics,” a spokesman of SKUAST-K said in a statement.
“Undue raid conducted by NIA just to drag and involve ourscientist into fabricated cases otherwise last year he has attended the NIA,New Delhi thrice and was given the clean chit by the investigation agency.
We have already made it clear that we are not opposing theenquiry conducted by NIA andDrNaseemGeelani will cooperate with the agency but such arbitrary approach bythe agencies needs to be revised as per law and to the minimum disadvantage ofthe scientist and the university” the statement said.
“Dr NaseemGeelani is a well-known scientist serving SKUAST-Kand proved himself as an honest, dedicated and sincere to his duties and has nopolitical affiliation with Hurriyat and its working in Kashmir, being son ofHurriyat leader does not make him an antinational or criminal. We are hopeful of professional approach ofthe NIA and urge the organization to not harass Dr. Geelani and do allformalities after following due process of Law,” it said.
“SKUAST-K Scientists and Teachers Association (SSTA),appeals to the union home minister, Govt of India and Governor, J&K state,Satyapal Malik who is also the Chancellor of SKUAST-K not to implicate ourscientist arbitrarily and instruct the NIA not to treat him as a criminal andfollow due process of law while dealing with the case,” the statement added.