Ashoka University Professor Arrested Over Remarks on Operation Sindoor

Ashoka University professor Ali Khan Mahmudabad was arrested over social media remarks criticizing the presentation of Operation Sindoor. Accused of undermining women officers and inciting discord, he claims his comments were misinterpreted and aimed at highlighting tokenism and inequality. His arrest has triggered fresh debate over academic freedom and censorship.

Ali Khan Mahmudabad, a political science professor at Ashoka University, was arrested following a controversy over his social media remarks concerning Operation Sindoor, India’s recent military action against terror groups in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. His posts referred to the media presence of women officers during briefings as “optics,” prompting backlash and an investigation by the Haryana State Commission for Women.

The Commission took suo motu cognisance, alleging that Mahmudabad’s comments undermined the role of women in the armed forces and incited communal tension. His lawyer confirmed the arrest, although specific charges remain undisclosed as of now.

In a statement posted on X, Mahmudabad defended his remarks, claiming his words were misinterpreted and censored without due cause. He emphasized his intention was not to demean women officers but to point out selective recognition of minorities. "I appreciated that officers like Colonel Sofiya Qureshi were front and center during the briefings. My criticism was directed at tokenism, not the individuals involved," he stated.

Mahmudabad further added that he supported the inclusion of diverse voices in national narratives and condemned the misrepresentation of his post as misogynistic or anti-national. He argued that his comments were a broader critique of social inequality and the persecution of Indian Muslims.

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The arrest has sparked debates about freedom of expression, academic independence, and the fine line between critique and perceived national disloyalty. As reactions continue pouring in, Ashoka University has yet to release an official statement on the matter.