The Jammu and Kashmir Students Association (JKSA) has expressed alarm following an alleged assault on Kashmiri nursing students at Mewar University in the Gangrar region of Chittorgarh, Rajasthan. This incident reportedly took place after students protested concerning the institution’s failure to obtain necessary approvals for their B.Sc. Nursing program.

The association claims that the university lacks recognition from both the Indian Nursing Council (INC) and the Rajasthan Nursing Council (RNC), raising concerns over the legitimacy of the degrees being pursued by students who are nearing the completion of their course in four months.

Students Distressed Over Future Prospects

With only months remaining to complete their degrees, students have voiced their distress regarding the implications for professional registration and employment. The National Convenor of JKSA, Nasir Khuehami, noted that 33 Kashmiri students were suspended following a peaceful demonstration aimed at clarifying the approval situation of their course. It is reported that over 50 Kashmiri students are currently enrolled in this nursing program, and the absence of the mandated approvals has created uncertainty affecting their academic and professional futures.

University’s Assurances Met with Disappointment

Khuehami indicated that university officials had repeatedly assured students that they would secure required approvals, yet no concrete information has been provided. Faced with ongoing ambiguity and nearing the end of their program, students organized a peaceful protest to seek transparency and clarity regarding their situation. Tensions reportedly escalated during the demonstration, culminating in alleged confrontations with a group of students from Bihar, allegedly backed by local Bajrang Dal activists. The JKSA claims four Kashmiri students were injured, and a female student faced physical harassment amid the conflict.

Local Police Response Questioned

The association criticized the local police’s response, alleging a lack of action and noting that students now feel vulnerable on campus, fearing further incidents of intimidation. Khuehami remarked that punishing students for raising legitimate academic concerns reflects poorly on the university’s accountability. He emphasized that if the institution has indeed failed to secure the necessary governmental approvals, it should bear responsibility, rather than shifting blame onto students who have dedicated themselves to the program in good faith.

Government Officials Engaged Amid Ongoing Concerns

JKSA has reached out to Rajasthan Chief Secretary V. Srinivas, requesting urgent intervention to ensure the safety and academic welfare of the students concerned. Khuehami reported that the Chief Secretary promised to investigate the issue and assured that appropriate measures would be taken. The association is hopeful that the Rajasthan government will swiftly act to restore faith, ensuring a thorough inquiry into the reported assault and intimidation, while also providing solutions that protect the students’ academic futures.

Calls for Broader Government Intervention

The association has also appealed to Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to coordinate with Rajasthan’s Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma in order to advocate for the academic rights of Kashmiri students studying outside their home territory. The JKSA has urged that either necessary statutory approvals for the nursing course be secured immediately or arrangements be made for students to transfer to accredited institutions to prevent any academic losses. They stressed that future academic opportunities should not be hindered due to administrative errors or delays.

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