Calcutta, Jan. 20 (PTI): Independent thinking and free expression in Indian universities “are now under threat” former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said on Friday, targeting the Narendra Modi government at the Centre. ”Regrettably, independent thinking and free expression in Indian universities are now under threat. Attempts to suppress peaceful dissent are not only inimical to learning but also undemocratic,” Singh said at the bicentenary celebration of Presidency University. ”True nationalism is found where students, citizens, are encouraged to think and speak freely, where dissents are encouraged and not suppressed. The Congress leader said that political interference in universities and in appointments in academic institutions was highly 'short-sighted'.

Source: The Telegraph January 20, 2017 11:31 UTC