Ali Khan Mahmudabad, who is an associate professor of Ashoka University. This professor arrested over Operation Sindoor comments on his social media post. India’s operation against the Pahalgam terror attack. His post was controversial and led to legal action. His remarks were considered insulting to military officials, and thus he was attacked.
Mahmudabad’s social media post questioned the applause for Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, the figure at the center of Operation Sindoor. He wrote:
“I am very happy to see so many right-wing commentators applauding Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, but perhaps they could also equally loudly demand that the victims of mob lynchings, arbitrary bulldozing, and others who are victims of the BJP’s hate-mongering be protected as Indian citizens. The optics of two women soldiers presenting their findings is important, but optics must translate to reality on the ground; otherwise, it’s just hypocrisy.”
Legal Action and Detention
On the complaint of BJP Yuva Morcha leader, Mahmudabad was arrested in New Delhi and brought to Sonipat, where Ashoka University is located. It has been stated that he was moved without a transit remand, and legal action is being questioned.
Haryana State Commission for Women also sent him a notice, claiming that he had made some remarks that were raising eyebrows. The commission said that his remarks discredited the women officers of the Indian Armed Forces and promoted communal tensions.
Mahmudabad’s Defense
When faced with the backlash, Mahmudabad claimed that his words were taken out of context. He defended his post by stating:
“Contrary to the allegations, my post appreciated the fact that the armed forces chose Colonel Sofiya Qureshi and Wing Commander Vyomika Singh for the press conference to highlight the fact that the dream of the founders of our Republic, of an India united in its diversity, is still very much alive. I even applauded members of the right wing who supported Colonel Qureshi. Invited them to have the same attitude for common Indian Muslims who face demonization and persecution on a daily basis.”He added, “There is nothing remotely misogynistic about my comments that could be construed as anti-women.”
Operation Sindoor is an Indian Government operation led by two powerful women, Colonel Sophia Qureshi and Wing Commander Vyomika Singh. This operation is held as a counter attack for the pahalgam attack by pakistan terrorists.
The controversial remarks of the professor on Operation Sindoor led to his arrest and this arrest has also sparked a free speech and academic freedom controversy. Some people believe that the remark made by Mahmudabad was wrongly read, while others take the stance that they undermined national integrity.
Mahmudabad’s arrest brings out the inconsistencies between free speech and national security. Through the unfolding of the investigation, the case raises important questions on academic expression and political speech in India.
University and Public Reaction
Ashoka University released a statement affirming that it is determining facts and will assist the authorities. In parallel, an open letter in support of Mahmudabad received more than 1,200 signatures from prominent scholars and historians.
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