JKSA Takes Up Alleged Assault on Kashmiri Students With Rajasthan Chief Secretary
33 Nursing Students Under Suspension After Protest at Mewar University
Srinagar, Feb 19, KNT: The Jammu and Kashmir Students Association on Thursday took up with Rajasthan Chief Secretary V. Srinivas the issue of the alleged assault on Kashmiri nursing students at Mewar University in Chittorgarh district, seeking urgent intervention to ensure their safety and academic security.
National Convenor of the Association, Nasir Khuehami, said the matter was formally raised with the Chief Secretary after tensions erupted on the university campus following a protest by Kashmiri students. The protest, he said, was aimed at seeking clarity regarding the recognition status of the B.Sc Nursing course and alleged absence of mandatory approvals from the Indian Nursing Council and the Rajasthan Nursing Council.
According to the Association, 33 Kashmiri students have been placed under suspension for raising concerns over statutory approvals. More than 50 Kashmiri students are enrolled in the programme, which is scheduled to conclude within the next four months. The uncertainty surrounding approvals has reportedly caused anxiety over the validity of degrees, professional registration and future employment.
The Association alleged that during the protest, tensions escalated when a group of students from Bihar, reportedly supported by local activists of Bajrang Dal, confronted and assaulted the protesting students. Four Kashmiri students were allegedly injured and a female student was reportedly manhandled.
Khuehami said the Rajasthan Chief Secretary assured that the matter would be examined and appropriate steps taken. The Association urged the state administration to ensure protection for the students, revoke suspension orders, conduct a fair inquiry into the alleged assault and intimidation, and resolve the approval issue in a time-bound manner.
The Association reiterated that the students are seeking either immediate statutory approval of the course or facilitation of transfer to a recognised institution to safeguard their academic year and professional future. [KNT]
