BANGALORE: "It is a clash over a trivial issue between two groups of students. We do not want to say anything about the incident and politicise the issue," said the parent of a Kashmiri student, who was among the 28 released from Bangalore Central Prison on Tuesday.

The 28 Kashmiri students and a Bihari student, all from Ghousia College of Engineering in Ramanagaram near Bangalore, were arrested after a clash over a petty issue between students of the two States on the college premises last week.

On Monday, the Kashmiri students secured bail from a magistrate's court in Ramanagaram. However, the release order was served to the Central Prison on Tuesday as it could not be reached within the scheduled time on Monday.

A Kashmiri student, who was among those freed on bail, later told this reporter over phone that many of them were innocent, and claimed they were dragged into the controversy because they were Kashmiris. He further alleged that the management was under pressure from the other group to file a case against the Kashmiris.

He added that they would now concentrate on their studies and avoid conflict with their Bihari mates.

Earlier, when this reporter approached a student outside the prison seeking his comments, a parent intervened and said, "Please do not talk to them. They are disturbed". He along with other parents and well-wishers ensured that none of the students spoke.

But one student was vociferous. "We have been harassed a lot. I want to speak to the media and bring out the true facts. I do not mind staying in the prison for a long time," the student said. Then a parent took him aside, spoke to him for a long time, before sending him off in an autorickshaw.

The parents, who were not ready to disclose their names, said such clashes were common in all colleges. But, unfortunately, their children landed in prison. "Our children will not have any differences with their Bihari counterparts," a parent said. They refused to say whether their children were selectively targeted. The parents said they had spoken to the college management and have been assured of a congenial atmosphere. "We thank Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy for his intervention in getting the boys released. The Jammu and Kashmir Government has also helped us. There is nothing more that we can say," a parent said.

Charges denied

The police denied allegations that they had selectively targeted Kashmiri students. Inspector-General of Police (Central) T. Jayaprakash said the situation was very tense with both the groups being armed. "We have not differentiated between the students. We have taken action depending on the circumstances and registered cases against 28 Kashmiris and one Bihari student," Mr. Jayaprakash told The Hindu .

He said the police have had a discussion with the college management.

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