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Indian police are interrogating students and security personnel in relation to a violent attack on Ali Hasan Raza — a Pakistani student at Pondicherry University, according to Indian media.
Cases have also been registered under various Indian Penal Code (IPC) sections including 323 (punishment for voluntarily causing hurt), 341 (punishment for wrongful restraint) and 448 (punishment for house trespass), according to police.
According to some reports, police believe the attack may have been the result of mistaken identity.
"We suspect that the attackers might have mistaken him for someone," investigating officer and sub-inspector V Sivakumar said.
The police said most students had vacated the hostel as their exams were over. They however added that the attack was likely carried out by those who stayed on in the hostel.
The attack
On Tuesday, Raza was assaulted by three unidentified men in his room at the Sir CV Raman Hostel.
The group of men reportedly crept up on him while he was sleeping and then beat him with iron rods and liquor bottles. Raza sustained injuries on his head, neck and back.
The 24-year-old was severely wounded and is being treated at the Puducherry Institute of Medical Science (PIMS) and Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (Jipmer). During treatment, Raza said the attackers were his age and may be students of the university.
Raza was doing a post-graduate course in South Asian studies. He is the first and only Pakistani student in Pondicherry University.
In response to the attack, the Student Federation of India (SFI) secretary voiced concern over the incident and said the university must take all measures to bring the perpetrators of the attack to justice. The university also issued new restrictions on entries to the boys hostel.
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On DawnNews
Comments (91) Closed
May 15, 2014 04:32pm
No matter on which side of Border we are ............. we cant change
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May 15, 2014 04:45pm
The reality of India is not too different then ours - Its a shameful act with of course no justice to be served.
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May 15, 2014 04:47pm
this news is no where to be found on TIME OF HINDIA... I wonder why?
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May 15, 2014 04:51pm
This must be condemned with strongest possible words and these attackers must be dealt with heavy hands if intentions were genuine . But One request to Pakistani students and Pakistani as a whole , Please don't come to India . Wounds of partition are still fresh and for nationalists like me , these are unbearable . I have sympathy for this guy and Indian gov must provide security for this lonely guy . He should finish his studies successfully and return home safely and convey my message to their countrymen .
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May 15, 2014 04:52pm
This is utterly shameful. We cannot protect women, we cannot protect our guests and foreigners. There is a shocking decline in governance on the one hand and civic attitudes on the other. And I do not think there was a party in this election that has the will or the ability to change it. BJP least of all. Think how enlightened and brave a lad he is to come study in India from Pakistan and this is how we treat him.
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May 15, 2014 04:54pm
I am very saddened to hear this news. No way it should have happened. I pray for his speedy recovery and quick identification, arrest and exemplary punishment to the perpetuaters of this hate crime. Dear Ali Hasan Raza, I say sorry on behalf of all Indians and wish you a very happy and pleasant stay in India.
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May 15, 2014 05:02pm
Hard to sympathies with a guy who has gone into a country that lives on hating Pakistan and then does not expect a violent attack somewhere along the way. Find another country , another university, your choice of both does not say well for your intelligence level.
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May 15, 2014 05:03pm
shocked to read comment do not come to INDIA as INDIANS are wounded ........
When we will learn to live with the reality that we can be friend despite of the fact that we are two countries ....
if EU can bury all hatred and live peacefully why cant we??? but we have to come out from this wounded mentality
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May 15, 2014 05:10pm
@Nomi WELL SAID.
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May 15, 2014 05:11pm
I as a Pakistani appreciate the kind words said in the comments section by some of the Indians, however its not a very big deal so lets not politicize this, it's normal for students to get beaten up at universities. it just so happened that he was a Pakistani, I am sure Indian authorities are doing their best to catch the culprits.
Note to Ali Raza on going to India for studies -- What on Earth were you thinking mate, we have much better uni's here come back home!!!
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May 15, 2014 05:15pm
@anil
lol, made my day "nationalists"
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May 15, 2014 05:20pm
@anil Respected anil sahib, i see a quality of straightforwardness in yourself, please reply keeping this quality.1Are you satisfied with these wounds 2. did you ever try, wish or pray for the treatment.3. is this a comment of a secular state citizen and 4.yourS likemind INDIANS attitude for the MUSLIMS OF INDIA.
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May 15, 2014 05:22pm
extremely shameful act by the perpetrators in pondicherry. They MUST be caught, their motives revealed and they must face justice, asap. These criminals need to be taught a tough lesson. I hope mr raza is alright and is out of danger now.
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May 15, 2014 05:23pm
@Asif Naeem Bhatti just check in Aman ki Asha pages it must be the banner there
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May 15, 2014 05:24pm
When relationship between two nations deteriorate may be these incident occur. Many Indians know very little of Pakistan and many consider it as enemy country because of partition, wars between two countries, dispute in Kashmir, militancy in Kashmir.
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May 15, 2014 05:24pm
@anil you coment is not funny but SAD. Truth told, you people have not even accepted that there is a Pakistan - Its a reality mate and we are here to stay. Thank you for your concern tough.
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May 15, 2014 05:28pm
I am extremely sorry to know of this ghastly act and the perpetrators are cowards to harm an innocent student who has come to study in India with an open mind & heart. God help him to recover fast and nad the guilty be severely punished. We are sorry! Best wishes to his family and friends.
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May 15, 2014 05:39pm
Happy to see some wise comments.
"The attackers left when nearby students arrived to rescue him" - Express Tribune
The rescuers were Indians too. Neither we neither Indians should generalize and hate each other for barbarism of few people on both sides of borders.
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May 15, 2014 05:40pm
it can be secterian violence,,,,
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May 15, 2014 05:44pm
It was tame on Mr. Raza's part to go to India when there is constant tensions between two countries. I as Indian wouldn't go to Pakistan either for studies or travel when so much animosity between two countries. You may say I am timid.
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May 15, 2014 05:45pm
Very Shameful act and that to in great city of Pondicherry..My the culprits be caught and brought to justice .
We should always remember that firstly we are all humans
Anyways may the person get well soon
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May 15, 2014 05:57pm
@sarah shah : I know what you meant however please don't link everything to sectarian violence ... I noticed that when an ordinary person ( from opposite majority sect) is killed and/or beaten there is no condolence and or condemnation from minorities however when a minority sect is killed and/or beaten even under the normal circumstance for any reason the minorities would link it to sectarian violence - minorities don't understand that this kind attitude actually highlights their presence and concerns and then they become the easy target of trouble makers. it's like "aa bail mujay maar" kind of situation. Don't treat yourself different especially on the basis of your religious beliefs because it is dangerous. Condemn this brutal act as a human being not as a member of a certain sect, please.
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May 15, 2014 05:57pm
@Asif Naeem Bhatti
Here is the links in Indian Newspapers
Times of India.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/puducherry/Attack-on-Pakistani-student-reveals-security-lapse-in-Pondicherry-University-SFI/articleshow/35122045.cms
New Indian express
http://www.newindianexpress.com/states/tamil_nadu/Unidentified-Men-Attack-Pakistani-Student-in-UT/2014/05/14/article2223528.ece
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May 15, 2014 06:04pm
@Asif Naeem Bhatti
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Pakistani-student-in-Pondicherry-University-attacked-by-three-unidentified-men/articleshow/35067606.cms
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May 15, 2014 06:05pm
Folks, read the report. This was likely mistaken identity, he wasn't attacked because he was Pakistani. Basically, wrong place at wrong time. I do hope the culprits are apprehended and jailed.
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May 15, 2014 06:10pm
I hope this is not intentional. But all the media condemned it. Even we feel pity for the same. Many Pakistanis obtained medical recovery in India with comparatively cheaper than western countries. culprits should be brought under justice.
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May 15, 2014 06:20pm
My Sincere apology to his family and wish him a speedy recovery, Please do not make this India vs Pakistan, as student in Indian university not so long ago I can imagine emotions things goes wrong
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May 15, 2014 06:26pm
Those who attacked Raza, should be strictly punished...
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May 15, 2014 06:28pm
This is CLEARLY a case of mistaken identity as is evident from the circumstances of the attack. So let us not make it big because the victim happens to be a Pakistani.
The perpetrators must be caught and punished severely. And they will be.
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May 15, 2014 06:36pm
This is really sad. The perpetrators should be prosecuted. Get well soon, Raza.
Dear Pakistanis, violence is part of every society in the world. You may judge a country or society based on violence, but before delivering the judgement, consider the society by its response to such violence. I am glad to see many Indians condemned this.
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May 15, 2014 06:38pm
A senseless and cowardly act. I doubt if he was attacked because of his
Nationality. Why attack him now?
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May 15, 2014 06:52pm
very sad but yaar mere ko to ye ladki ka mamla lagta hai.. South India main woi hoga jo North main hai.. ye ladki meri hai aur meri hi rahegi chaaiye baat kabhi na ki ho..
Delhi main aao, every day uni main kissi na kissi ki bajti hai..
any way since he is an international student, I would expect to punish the culprits asap
cheers
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May 15, 2014 06:53pm
@Asif Naeem Bhatti bilkul bhatti sahab.. in North India is similar but dont expect in South India.. they are more civilized than we north Indians..
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May 15, 2014 06:54pm
Its so nice to see sensible comments and regret from Indians ....
My fellow Pakistani... this was an isolated incident, lets not pretend its another conspiracy against Pakistan
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May 15, 2014 07:11pm
@anil, wow anil!!! you have left no doubt in my mind about the reason behind the intense hatred you Indians have towards Pakistan. It's been almost 67 years since the partition but you guys still can't accept the reality of Pakistan. Since 1947 India has been trying its best to destroy and destabilise Pakistan. You never accepted the partition. One advice: get over it, we are not going anywhere.
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May 15, 2014 07:29pm
Apologies to the victim and his family for the act of some miscreants on behalf of the residents of Pondicherry. This does not happen in Tamil culture and visitors are treated with courtesy and dignity. A mistake has happened and let's wait for the police to complete their investigation and hopefully they would bring the guilty to justice. Pakistan Dawn readers please accept our apologies
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May 15, 2014 07:30pm
I have a question for Pakistanis. Why go to India when they hate us to their core?
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May 15, 2014 07:42pm
@anil
The feeling is mutual!!
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May 15, 2014 07:49pm
Very shameful! Attacking innocent students!! Heart felt sorry from India!! Law enforcement agencies must bring justice as soon as possible. Indian politicians must issue a note of apology to the family members of Ali Hassan.
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May 15, 2014 07:52pm
Indians are not friendly. Hostile country hostile people. When will the idiots who visit there realize this?! Iron rods? Same weapons use to bludgeon and violently stab that poor girl in New Delhi who was gang raped and thrown off a bus. They are a sick and disturbed society.
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May 15, 2014 07:54pm
@anil you have absolutely nothing to be nationalistic about. India as a country didn't even exist until a day after Pakistans independence from british.
You suffer from hyper delusions of grandeur. You weren't even alive during partition so spare us your sob fairy tails
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May 15, 2014 07:57pm
@zak
Remeber the attack on Sri Lankan cricket players?
Anyone been arrested yet. Indian police will definitely find the culprits. Give them some time
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May 15, 2014 07:58pm
Puducherry is situated at extreme south of India where this ind-pak hatred has no existence. People hardly understand Urdu/Hindi there. Wounds of partition are the major reason for this hatred mainly in north India. Without any investigation it is foolish to say he was attacked being a Pakistani only.
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May 15, 2014 07:59pm
@HS not a big deal?? Are you insane?
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May 15, 2014 08:10pm
@Asif Naeem Bhatti Because the poor kid was a Pakistani.
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May 15, 2014 08:24pm
@anil What has the wounds of partition got to do beating up an innocent human being. Stop finding excuses for your behavior. This advice goes to both Indians and Pakistanis
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May 15, 2014 08:35pm
That's a shameful act!!!
That fellow who has created this barbaric act should be dealt with firmly.
People across the borders should be free to move around.
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May 15, 2014 08:37pm
Sad , I do not know when will we come out of this india/pakistan mentality on both sides. I am glad most indian and pakistanis abroad do not have any animosity towards each others.
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May 15, 2014 08:53pm
Very bad act. The persons behind this scene should be seriously punished and suspended permanently from the University.
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May 15, 2014 08:54pm
Used to feel bad for Indian students, getting beat up in Australia. But Indian students world over have lost all moral authority. So brave to beat up a lone student, that too when he was sleeping.
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May 15, 2014 09:08pm
Say welcome to the new generation of India. "The generation of Modies".
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May 15, 2014 09:08pm
Ali Hassan Raza, why would you go to India to study? What exactly were you expecting?
Now now I know 99.99% people in every country are super nice and friendly. But its the 0.01% crazies that you need to watch our for.
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May 15, 2014 09:22pm
@Sara Khan- Thanks sara. :)
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May 15, 2014 09:42pm
@anil Thank you, feeling is mutual.
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May 15, 2014 09:46pm
@Nomi We have our fanatics and India has theirs. And, both are making life miserable for common person on either side of the border. Only answer is education and rule of law.
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May 15, 2014 10:06pm
@Virat
So you are acknowledging that there is ignorance in your country as well and that youth are also brainwashed (not unlike Pakistanis), correct?
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May 15, 2014 10:13pm
@anil
Your comment telling Pakistanis to not come to India smacks of bigotry and hatred which unfortunately you are unable to overcome. Man it has been 67 years, and you are continuing to hold grudge against Pakistanis generations after who have nothing to do with it. Get over it.
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May 15, 2014 10:27pm
@Seedoo Yes, but due to Aman Ki Asha and people to people contact, media to media contact(GEO & NTDV or Times Now) and cricket matches between two countries, the situation has improved, image of Pakistan is little bit better but it becomes bad during certain bitter incidents during 26/11,when sabarjit singh was attacked and killed and when LOC firing and beheading of Indian soldier and also insurgency and firing in Kashmir.
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May 15, 2014 10:30pm
@anil I am speechless man. Even more so to see that 31 bright sparks have actually recommended your post. There is so much wrong with your comment. I agree that there have been human rights violations on both sides of the border but one should at least condemn the act. I am sure it was done by "nationalists" like you. Why does the love for our countries only manifests in hatred for other countries. Which wounds are you talking about? Were you alive back then? If you dislike us so much then why do you waste your time by commenting on a Pakistani newspaper site? Do us all a favor and keep your nationalism to yourself. We'd be grateful for it.
I am all for the love of your country. I don't mean or wish any harm to India but that courtesy needs to be afforded to Pakistan too. The first step would be to come to terms with a historic fact that India did get divided and Pakistan is a reality. That doesn't mean that we have to fight about it all the time. Why can't we be like Canada and the US? They have fought wars, they have reasons to mistrust each other but they focus more on the things that are similar between them like language and culture.
Both of our countries have a lot more important stuff to think about then our vain nationalism.
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May 15, 2014 10:32pm
@Nomi Please don't compare with EU or any civilized nation. We talking about Pakistn and India where half of their population sleeps on street.
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May 15, 2014 10:34pm
@anil And I am sure this Pakistani paid his fees and spent money in India. He is not only your guest but your customer. He is benefiting India in that way. And this is what is done to him.
BTW I appreciate every Indian that condemned the incident. Hope isn't completely lost until these sensible voices remain on both sides of the border. Thanks guys.
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May 15, 2014 11:03pm
It is shameful, however I am surprised to see that this kind of incident took place in that part of India.
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May 15, 2014 11:19pm
I offer my deepest apologies to the Mr.Ali Hassan Raza & his family.The police & the law officers should take strict action against the culprits & punish them severly.
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May 15, 2014 11:22pm
@mazhar There are several people in EU especially London where they sleep on the streets and this happens even in the US..There is nothing great about those countries. In fact, its a shame.
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May 15, 2014 11:38pm
@zak which country Pakistan loves.
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May 16, 2014 12:14am
This is really shameful if this incident is hate attack. Even it is normal crime or attack due to mistaken identity, it is highly condemnable. Pondicherry is very peaceful place and this kind of violent attack is never heard of. I am sure Police will solve this crime soon and punish the culprit.
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May 16, 2014 12:28am
@mazhar dont forget the europeans killes each other for hundreds of yrs..so if they r peaceful now they have learnt some leaaons. We r just odd 67 yra old..hardly a history..compared to europeans..
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May 16, 2014 12:29am
It is wrong.
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May 16, 2014 12:34am
I recall when visiting my sister in Texas, USA she mentioned that some Indian bindi wearing female students had been brutally attacked at the same university where my sister was completing her Doctoral studies. These Indian students cars were also marred with racist graffiti during the same time. Upon discovering this some American Pakistani students came to their aid including my sister and her friends. They took the female students to the local univ. health clinic for check ups and filed police reports against the perpetrators which were caught on security cams.
When it comes to basic human compassion, one doesn't need to ask questions - just helping another in need is what matters - regardless of their religion or cultural background.
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May 16, 2014 12:45am
As an Indian, I am deeply ashamed and disturbed. We have turned into a country of violent monsters :-(
My deepest apologies to the family of Ali Hasan Raza.
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May 16, 2014 04:45am
@anil "wounds of partition are still fresh" after 67 years and two generations you are still so intolerant and full of so much hatred.
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May 16, 2014 05:28am
It is deplorable act, and the perpetrators must be punished post haste. These acts must be put down with a firm hand.
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May 16, 2014 10:30am
A cowardly attack, to be condemned in the strongest possible terms. My apologies to the people of Pakistan. My apologies and best wishes to Ali Hasan Raza. I hope he gets well soon, and the people of India do their best to make his stay in the country a pleasant experience.
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May 16, 2014 10:41am
I am really disgusted by the comments from the readers who are blaming the poor kid for his misery. Fact of the matter is that he could join any university in many countries including Pakistan. However, his passion for South Asia studies took him to India, knowing his degree might not earn him any respect in Pakistan, his faith and love of the culture was heavier than risks he contemplated. He probably loved Indians and had faith in their system and had friends who made him feel comfortable. He also, open his heart to live among so called enemy and would have brought wonderful stories of love and passions of the so called enemy that would have melted many hearts on that side of the border. Let's salute him since most of don't have courage he has and passion that he possessed. God bless him.
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May 16, 2014 10:43am
@raja hindustani
No one the real reason, let's not assume it is politically motivated or mistaken identity. I have doubt in your theory. One thing we need to learn from this is not to defend evil at the cost of patriotism.
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May 16, 2014 12:56pm
@zak This is a very shameful event, very shameful! The people who did this and the people who support this are in one word deluded and cowards. My salaam and kudos to Ali Hasan Raza for having the courage to visit and study in a country which is considered as a sort of enemy state by Pakistan. It takes a LOT of courage, maturity and good will to do that! He must have known when he traveled to India for his studies that he could face this sort of challenges and hostility & despite that he came.
It is sad that this had to end this way!
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May 16, 2014 02:15pm
@mubashar So when was the last time an european country sent a boat loan of people to another country to attack a hotel and kill civillians?
Come back when you can think of a better example. Europe isn't one.
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May 16, 2014 02:21pm
@anil Amen to that sir. This is the kind of honesty and straightforwardness we all need to solve real problems. People who are unable to see the reality will reap the rewards for their stupidity.
If we have resources, please invite some Hindus students of Pakistan so that they can get a decent education and a life where they can breathe freely.
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May 16, 2014 02:28pm
@Hamid Ali Tabatabai Exactly the same that brining down the trade towers killing 3000 people had to do with ... well sorry; I still didn't understand what the reason was.
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May 16, 2014 02:31pm
@jin Don't show your fake sentiments about feeling bad for Indian students in Australia. Pakistanis enjoy our misfortunes and aid the perpeterators when they can. Just take this student and never ask him to go to India again. Story over.
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May 16, 2014 05:03pm
@Pakistani we have good and bad people on both the sides, its is on us how we train/guide next generation, glad to see there are sensible people ..the only hope for bright future of both the countries...
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May 16, 2014 06:26pm
No doubt it's a shameful act in my country...but for that you can't blame the whole country & systems ....both the country has to learn to live peacefully with each other,
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May 16, 2014 08:18pm
@sufi Mateen: My friend, do not be judgmental even before reading my comment. Read my comment again. I have said whatever the reason of that incident whethere hate crime (becuase of his pakistani origin) or mistaken identity, both are highly condemnable and shameful.
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May 16, 2014 11:09pm
@Pakistani
Many many thanks for sharing this. Indians are generally liberal to difference of opinion except some. I am ashamed as an Indian for this act .
Victim must stay in India and finish his studies under Indian govt protection (we provide protection to Pro Pak Kashmiris, Pro Indian Kashmiris and Independent Kashmiris too). He must leave with full dignity and head held high, because he is our ambassador to people of Pak.
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May 16, 2014 11:20pm
We use these events to strengthen our existing beliefs.
This is smaller news item in India as university violence happens frequently across all of India for various reasons. This is a bigger news for Pakistan because one of their citizen was hurt in another country
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May 17, 2014 01:48am
@Asif Naeem Bhatti
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May 17, 2014 01:56am
I am a staunch Hindu and has no liking for Pakistanis. But the killing of a innocent Pakistani student really bleeds my heart . He came to Hindu India , trusting our democratic system .to further his studies . I am very sorry to hear this news . I am sure that the culprits will be arrested and will be given proper punishment . I request all Pakistani students in India , not to loose faith in Hindu hospitality
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May 17, 2014 07:05am
Shame on us..
if we can NOT grantee safety of students do we have right to enroll them..??
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May 17, 2014 08:05am
Dear Ali Hasan Raza. As an Indian i sincerely apologize for this dastardly crime committed on you on Indian soil. It deeply hurts that such a thing happens when a lot of our brothers and sisters from Pakistan come to India for medical treatment and till date none of them left with a sour memory. Please accept my apologies and i hope the administration treats Ali as a special guest and looks after his security and well being.
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May 17, 2014 05:32pm
@Asif Naeem Bhatti
No Asif we have accepted Pakistan. We wanted a united India way back in 1947 - not out of maliciousness - but because we thought we are one people. Decision of creating Pakistan is respected by us. We even pray for you. May God bless you, your beautiful nation. Our deep respect to all Pakistani Mothers and fond love to all your children.
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May 17, 2014 06:44pm
It is a shameful incident. As an Indian i apologies for this unfortunate happening.
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