In a surprising turn of events, Shehla Rashid, a former Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) student, has expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah for orchestrating a “bloodless” political resolution in Kashmir. Rashid, known for her critiques of the Modi government’s decisions regarding Jammu and Kashmir’s special status, commended the current administration for achieving a peaceful solution in the region.
Responding to questions about her stance on stone pelters, Rashid acknowledged her sympathies in 2010 but emphasized her current gratitude for the prevailing tranquility in Kashmir. She asserted, “Today it has become clear that Kashmir is not Gaza,” highlighting the efforts of the present government, particularly crediting PM Modi and HM Amit Shah for ensuring a political resolution devoid of bloodshed.
Addressing allegations of “anti-India” slogans at JNU in 2016, Rashid categorically denied the claims, stating that no such slogans were raised during the incident involving former student union leaders Kanhaiya Kumar and Umar Khalid.
Reflecting on the impact of the JNU incident on her life, Rashid acknowledged its broader consequences for the university, noting a significant backlash against anything associated with JNU. Despite being labeled as a prestigious institution for liberal arts and social sciences, the incident led to a negative shift in perception, turning JNU into a subject of criticism overnight.
Shehla Rashid’s recent praise for the Modi-led government stands in contrast to her previous criticisms, signaling a nuanced perspective on the administration’s actions in Kashmir. The acknowledgment comes amidst global geopolitical developments, notably the Israel-Hamas conflict, providing a unique context for assessing peace-building efforts in different regions.
