Crime Today News
At least four Indian universities including Delhi’s Jawaharlal Nehru University, Jamia Millia Islamia, Kanpur University and Hyderabad’s Maulana Azad National Urdu University have suspended or cancelled Memoranda of Understanding with Turkish institutions in response to Ankara’s support for Pakistan following the recent rise in tensions between New Delhi and Islamabad.
Jawaharlal Nehru University was the first to act on Wednesday by suspending its agreement with Inonu University, followed by Jamia Millia Islamia announcing that it was suspending any Memorandum of Understanding with “any institution affiliated with the Government of the Republic of Türkiye”.
Kanpur University announced that it has withdrawn its agreement with Istanbul University and Maulana Azad National Urdu University said it cancelled the deal with Yunus Emre Institute on Thursday.
All institutions cited “national security” concerns for their decisions to cancel the academic exchange programmes.
“Due to National Security considerations, the MoU between JNU and Inonu University, Turkiye stands suspended until further notice,” the Delhi-based university announced. “JNU stands with the Nation.”
Jamia Milia Islamia and Maulana Azad National Urdu University too made similar announcements on X.
India Today quoted Kanpur University as saying: “This move is a direct consequence of Turkey assuming a critical geopolitical stance to join hands with a nation which is openly hostile to India’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.”
It added: “An institution linked, directly or by implication, with a strategic ally of Pakistan can no longer be a credible academic partner.”
The suspension of the academic degrees follows Ankara’s support for Islamabad during heightened tensions between India and Pakistan.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on May 9: “We are concerned that the tension between Pakistan and India will turn into a hot conflict with missile attacks resulting in the deaths of many civilians.”
“I wish God’s mercy upon our brothers who lost their lives in the attacks and once again offer my condolences to the brotherly people and state of Pakistan,” he added.
India and Pakistan on May 10 reached an “understanding” to halt firing following a four-day conflict.
The tensions between New Delhi and Islamabad had escalated on May 7 when the Indian military carried out strikes – codenamed Operation Sindoor – on what it claimed were terrorist camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.
The strikes were in response to the terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam, which killed 26 persons on April 22.
The Pakistan Army retaliated to Indian strikes by repeatedly shelling Indian villages along the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir. At least 22 Indian civilians and eight defence personnel were killed.
Pakistan claims 11 of its military personnel and 40 civilians were killed.
Security clearance of Turkey-based airport services firm revoked
The Union government on Thursday revoked the security clearance for Çelebi Airport Services India, the Indian arm of a Turkey-based firm.
“Recognising the seriousness of the issue and the call to protect national interests, we have taken cognizance of these requests and Ministry of Civil Aviation has revoked security clearance of the said company,” Murlidhar Mohol, the minister of state for civil aviation announced.
Following this, Delhi, Mumbai and Ahmedabad airports have terminated their agreements with the company and directed it to immediately hand over all ground handling facilities, The Indian Express reported.
Ground handling includes essential services required to prepare and operate flights, such as passenger check-in and assistance, baggage and cargo handling, aircraft maintenance and servicing, ramp operations and catering.
The airports at both Mumbai and Ahmedabad are operated by the Adani Group while Delhi airport is run by Delhi International Airport Limited.
Çelebi’s India division on Thursday released a statement saying it “unequivocally refutes all misleading and factually incorrect allegations” regarding its ownership and operations in the country.
Saying that it is majority-owned by international investors from various countries, the statement asserted it is “not a Turkish organisation by any standard” and described itself as “truly an Indian enterprise, led by and managed by Indian professionals, deeply invested in the country and committed to its growth.”
This article first appeared on Scroll.in
📰 Crime Today News is proudly sponsored by DRYFRUIT & CO – A Brand by eFabby Global LLC
Design & Developed by Yes Mom Hosting
