Arjun supports Jamia aid to blast suspects

September 27, 2008: The Indian Express

Under attack from the BJP for his decision to provide legal aid to two students who have been accused of being involved in the serial bomb blasts in Delhi, Jamia Millia Islamia University vice-chancellor Prof Mushirul Hasan found a supporter in Human Resource Development Minister Arjun Singh.

Prof Hasan called on Arjun Singh on Friday to apprise him of the university’s decision to provide legal assistance to Mohammad Shakil and Zia-ur Rehman who had been picked up by Delhi Police in connection with the bomb blasts earlier this month.

The HRD Minister justified Jamia’s decision saying there was ¶nothing wrong in providing legal aid¶ to the students. ¶From what Prof Hasan has told me, I understand that the decision of the university is in the interest of the nation,¶ he said.

The university’s decision has evoked a sharp reaction from the BJP, which has accused Jamia of diverting Government funds to help terror suspects. The party also demanded the resignation of Prof Hasan.

The vice-chancellor on his part reiterated that legal aid is the constitutional right of every person.

NHRC notice to Delhi Police on encounter

New Delhi: THE National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) on Friday issued a notice to the Delhi Police over the encounter in Jamia Nagar, in which two suspected Mujahideen militants linked with the serial blasts in Delhi and other cities had been killed. The Commission issued the notice to Delhi Police Commissioner Y S Dadwal, asking him to submit a report on the incident. The notice was issued on a complaint filed by an NGO, sources in the NHRC said.

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