People can rap govt, not abuse the nation: Rijiju

New Delhi, Feb 18: With the JNU row continuing unabated, Union minister Kiren Rijiju today said people are free to criticise the government but cannot abuse the nation.

In a Facebook post, Rijiju said a group of people in Jawaharlal Nehru University have taken a "despicable vow to break India into pieces" and declared Parliament attack convict Afzal Guru as their hero. He said a group of politicians have defended the actions of "these anti-national elements".

"As an Indian, the foremost requirement is allegiance to the unity and integrity of India. Anyone can criticise the government but don't abuse the nation," he said.

The Minister of State for Home said despite massive condemnation from patriotic citizens, they are still proud of their "atrocious act".

"These people are so firmly indoctrinated in their ideology that their hatred for India is subsumed in their freedom of expression.

I won't succeed in making them patriotic citizens," he said. Rijiju said there is just one solution left to this issue and such "pseudo students and politicians" should live with the soldiers in 16,000 feet altitude for one year or see the conditions of the widows of martyrs who gave their lives for the nation.

"That will make them understand what love for motherland means," he said.

PTI