Jammu University professor calls Bhagat Singh terrorist, panel to probe
Jammu, Nov 30: A professor of Jammu University triggered a controversy by allegedly referring to freedom fighter Bhagat Singh as a "terrorist", prompting authorities to set up a panel to probe the matter.
While delivering a lecture at the department of political science on Thursday, Prof Mohammad Tajuddin allegedly made the reference.
Soon after students took up the matter with the vice chancellor.
Some students of the political science department met the Vice Chancellor on Thursday evening and told him about the incident. They submitted a CD as a proof", Spokesperson of Jammu University, Dr Vinay Thusoo told PTI.
Taking immediate action, Vice Chancellor Prof Manoj K Dhar ordered a probe and ordered disassociation of Prof Tajuddin from teaching.
"Following a complaint by some students against Prof Tajuddin on Thursday, the University on the same day constituted an Inquiry Committee, which is headed by Dean Academic Affairs of the University, Prof Keshiv Sharma", Dr Thusoo said.
He said the committee has been asked to submit its report within 7 days.
"Prof Tajuddin has been disassociated from teaching in the University with immediate effect till further orders", Dr Thusoo said.
The matter triggered protests from students who demanded that the Professor be suspended from the university.
Prof Tajuddin said his remarks were taken out of context and a 25-second clip was made from his two-hour lecture.
Talking to reporters, Prof Tajuddin said he was talking about Lenin (Russian revolutionary) in the lecture and in that context, mentioned that the state calls any violence against it as "terrorism".
"Someone took a 25-second video out of my 2-hour lecture. Terrorist word came in that. It was not what I meant. Still, if anyone is hurt, I am really sorry for it, he said.
I also consider Bhagat Singh as a revolutionary. He is one of the people who sacrificed his life for the country, he said, adding that he did not intend to hurt anyone's feelings and apologised.
I had no intention to demean the personality of Bhagat Singh or for that matter hurt anyone's feelings. If it has happened, I am sorry, he said.
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Kohli's U-19 teammate Amanpreet Singh Gill dies at 36
New Delhi (PTI): Former India U-19 and Punjab medium pacer Amanpreet Singh Gill died at the age of 36 in Chandigarh on Wednesday, leaving the cricket fraternity in mourning.
The cause of death is not yet known.
Gill, who was Virat Kohli's U-19 teammate, featured in six first-class matches for Punjab, picking up 11 wickets.
He was also part of the Punjab franchise (Kings XI Punjab) in the inaugural Indian Premier League season, and later served as a member of Punjab's senior selection committee.
"Punjab Cricket Association deeply mourns the sad demise of Amanpreet Singh Gill, former Punjab cricketer and Member, Senior Selection Committee Punjab,” the Punjab Cricket Association announced on X.
"Our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and loved ones. May Waheguru grant eternal peace to the departed soul and strength to the family in this difficult time."
Two-time World Cup-winning India all-rounder Yuvraj Singh also paid tribute to Gill.
"Deeply saddened to hear about Amanpreet Singh Gill’s passing. Shared the dressing room in our early days, he was a quiet, hardworking cricketer who loved the game. My heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones. Rest in peace Om Shanti,” Singh posted on X.
Gill played five Youth ODIs and one Youth Test for India in 2007.
In the longer format, he claimed the wicket of former Sri Lanka all-rounder Thisara Perera.
However, he did not make the Virat Kohli-led India U-19 side that went on to win the 2008 World Cup.
“Deeply saddened by the passing of Amanpreet Singh Shergill, who proudly represented Punjab and was a part of the Punjab Kings family. Our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and the entire cricketing fraternity,” Punjab Kings posted on their official Instagram account.
