JKSA Appeals to Punjab Chief Minister Over Alleged Harassment of Kashmiri Students

The Jammu and Kashmir Students Association has made an appeal to the Chief Minister of Punjab, Bhagwant Mann, concerning alleged threats and harassment faced by Muslim Kashmiri students at CT University during the holy month of Ramzan. The association’s request comes after students reported facing eviction threats following their requests for arrangements for Sehri (Suhoor) and Iftar meals.

According to the association, students lodged serious complaints indicating that their demands for meals at appropriate timings in the university mess were met with intimidation and warnings of eviction from their hostels. Nasir Khuehami, the National Convenor of the Jammu and Kashmir Students Association, asserted that these students are regular fee-paying boarders who are merely seeking necessary meal arrangements in observance of Ramzan.

Khuehami emphasized that, rather than engaging with the students’ reasonable requests, university authorities, including the Vice Chancellor, allegedly responded with hostile behavior, abusive language, and threats to vacate the campus. He stated that no student should endure hostility or intimidation for practicing their faith and highlighted that academic institutions should be haven of inclusivity that uphold constitutional values.

The association underscored that any form of discrimination or intimidation within educational institutions could set a worrying precedent, eroding the principles of diversity and pluralism representative of India. They have urged the Chief Minister to intervene and facilitate an impartial investigation into the matter while ensuring that students are not subjected to harassment, threats, or any form of academic penalty for their religious observances.

In addition, they called for the immediate implementation of meal arrangements to accommodate Sehri and Iftar during Ramzan. This would allow students to adhere to their faith while pursuing their educational goals without fear. Khan Faiq, who serves as the Punjab-Chandigarh Coordinator for JKSA, remarked on the historical importance of Punjab as a welcoming environment for Kashmiri students and traders, emphasizing the need for continued inclusivity.

Faiq cautioned that allowing the situation to remain unresolved could set a negative and avoidable precedent for the treatment of students. He expressed hope that the state government would take timely corrective actions to maintain a positive legacy and assure Kashmiri students and their families of their safety and inclusion. He reiterated the importance of universities as spaces where diversity is respected, constitutional rights are upheld, and every student feels secure regardless of their background or beliefs.

Long or Short, get news the way you like. No ads. No redirections. Download Newspin and Stay Alert, The CSR Journal Mobile app, for fast, crisp, clean updates!

App Store –  https://apps.apple.com/in/app/newspin/id6746449540 

Google Play Store – https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.inventifweb.newspin&pcampaignid=web_share