Oxford Union Debate: Indian law student roasts Pakistan, says, ‘terror came because…’, video goes viral

Viral video: The recent video of a students’ debate at the Oxford Union is going viral. It has caught wide attention as an Indian law student countered the narrative of Pakistan on terrorism. The debate occurred during the discussion of a controversial issue, which led to the sabotage of the event at the Oxford Union. The debate didn’t take place as planned. After the incident, a Mumbai-born law student of Oxford University named Viraansh Bhanushali has become the centre of attraction. Bhanushali handled the debate from the side of India. He delivered the speech just some days after the anniversary of the 26/11 terror attacks in Mumbai.

Oxford Union debate controversy

The complete controversy emerged after the Oxford Union hosted an event during which Pakistan claimed its victory in a debate that the speakers of India had later said never properly happened. The invitees of India alleged that it was last-minute communication and also lacked transparency. On the other hand, a separate student debate also happened in November, with students from both India and Pakistan. It also included Moosa Harraj, the Union President of Oxford.

Who is Viraansh Bhanushali?

Viraansh Bhanushali is an Indian law student at Oxford. He grew up in Mumbai and lived through the 26/11 deadly terror attacks’ fear. Bhanushali, in his speech, talked about the personal trauma he went through, which also included how his family members narrowly escaped from the potential harm. He also argued that the security actions of India are a response to the decade-long terror attacks, and are not election-driven.

He added, “In March 1993, RDX explosives ripped through Plaza cinema… 257 people died… Was there an election in March 1993? No. That election was 3 years away… Terror did not come because we needed a vote. It came because Dawood and the ISI wanted to fracture India’s financial spine. That was not populism. That was an act of war.”

Why has the debate video gone viral?

The video gained popularity after the clips of Viraansh Bhanushali’s speech went online. The viewers praised how Viraansh combined his personal experience with data to counter all the claims from Pakistan’s sides. The remarks of Bhanushali on the strategic restraint after 26/11 attacks, followed by attacks like Uri and Pulwama, prompted the people to give their responses. Social media users mentioned that the debate showed how confronting terrorism narratives needs facts and timelines.

He mentioned, “But until the state that defends itself stops using terror as an instrument of foreign policy, we will keep our powder dry If that is populism, then I am a populist.”