Fringe Elements Must Not Be Allowed to Disrupt Peace in J&K, Says Union Minister Kiren Rijiju at KU Alumni Meet
Srinagar, July 27: Union Minister for Parliamentary Affairs and Minority Affairs Shri Kiren Rijiju on Sunday urged the people of Jammu and Kashmir to remain vigilant and united against fringe elements that attempt to destabilize peace and progress in the region. Addressing the Mega Alumni Meet 2025 at the University of Kashmir, Rijiju emphasized the collective responsibility of civil society, academia, and youth in safeguarding the achievements made in recent years.
“The people of Jammu and Kashmir have consistently demonstrated a strong desire for peace, growth, and development,” Rijiju said. “They have shown remarkable resilience and positivity, and they want to move forward. This spirit of progress must not be hijacked by negative or disruptive forces,” he added.
The Union Minister warned that fringe and radical elements, often with external support, persist in their attempts to sow unrest and derail the path of normalcy. “These are not large forces, but even a few individuals with destructive intentions can cause widespread disruption. We must not allow them space—neither in our society nor in our narrative,” he asserted.
Highlighting the crucial role of educational institutions, Rijiju said that the University of Kashmir, with its vibrant and accomplished alumni, can play a pivotal role in shaping the discourse and future of the region. “You are not just graduates—you are the torchbearers of progress, of knowledge, and of social stability. The University has immense potential to go beyond what it has already achieved and help define a new, inclusive vision for Jammu and Kashmir,” he said.
Rijiju underscored the importance of nurturing a strong academic ecosystem that empowers students and scholars to counter misinformation and divisive ideologies. “This is not just about political peace—it’s about social harmony, intellectual integrity, and nation-building,” he noted.
He further urged citizens to reject negative influences that often originate from outside the country but aim to undermine India’s unity and stability through subtle infiltration of ideas and actions. “We must stay alert. We must not allow our progress to be compromised by those who have no stake in our development,” he said.
The minister’s remarks resonated strongly with the gathering, as he called on youth and alumni to lead by example, promote peace, and contribute proactively to the social and economic advancement of Jammu and Kashmir.