By: Vibhuti Pathak
Indian-American community organizations are urging Rutgers University to reject a demand from student protesters to fly a separatist Kashmiri flag on campus. The demand, which was part of a list of ten issued by the student group, has elicited strong objections from various Indian-American groups. These organizations argue that the Kashmiri flag does not represent the views of all Kashmiris and could potentially promote violence in the region.
The Hindu American Foundation (HAF) and the Coalition of Hindus of North America (CoHNA) have been particularly vocal in their opposition to Rutgers University’s consideration of the Kashmiri flag. Suhag Shukla from HAF criticized the university for what she perceives as a capitulation to the demands of the student group. CoHNA, in a statement, accused the university of betraying public trust by approving a flag associated with the displacement of Kashmiri Hindus from their homeland.
The university’s response to the controversy remains ambiguous, as they have not confirmed whether they will permit the display of the Kashmiri flag. However, they have emphasized their commitment to reviewing all flags displayed on campus to ensure they are aligned with the values of the student body.
The disagreement over the Kashmiri flag reflects the broader complexities surrounding the display of flags representing disputed territories on university campuses.
