Normalcy Restored, NIT Srinagar to Reopen Monday

Srinagar, April 2, KNT: The Union Ministry of Human Resource Development on Saturday announced that normalcy has been restored at National Institute of Technology Srinagar and that academic activities would resume on Monday following recent clashes on the campus.

The institute, located in the Hazratbal area of Srinagar, had witnessed unrest after tensions flared between local and non-local students over India’s defeat to the West Indies in the semi-final of the ICC World T20 match held on March 31. The situation had prompted authorities to suspend classes temporarily.

According to an official statement issued by the Ministry, Director NIT Srinagar Rajat Gupta reassured students, faculty members and parents that the temporary tension arising from disappointment over the cricket match outcome had been resolved. The statement maintained that the campus and hostel premises were peaceful and functioning normally.

The Ministry said the district administration and local authorities extended full cooperation in restoring order and ensuring the safety of students. It added that groups of students were counselled in the presence of senior officials to prevent further escalation.

The Director assured that there was no cause for apprehension and that all students on campus were safe and secure. He further confirmed that scheduled academic and research programmes would proceed as planned, including the National Research Scholar Conclave slated for the weekend.

The institute had been closed on Friday until further orders in view of the disturbances. [KNT]