JKSA expresses concern, seeks CM Omar’s intervention

Srinagar, Oct 20: The Jammu and Kashmir Students Association (JKSA) on Sunday expressed deep concern over the suspension of 35 Kashmiri students at Mewar University, Chittorgarh, Rajasthan.

In a statement, National Convenor of the Association, Nasir Khuehami, said that these students have been protesting for the past three days, day and night, due to the university's failure to secure the necessary approvals from the Rajasthan Nursing Council (RNC) and Indian Nursing Council (INC) for the B.Sc. Nursing course.

He emphasised that the absence of these crucial approvals jeopardises the academic future of 45 Kashmiri students. “Instead of addressing their legitimate concerns and protecting their academic careers, the university opted to suspend the students as a response. This harsh action is unacceptable and a direct attack on the students' rights to raise their voices for justice.”

Khuehami said that the association has been monitoring the issue for the past few months, during which the university repeatedly assured the students that the approvals would be obtained soon. “ Two months ago, the university registrar even gave a written promise, assuring the students that the matter would be resolved shortly. However, despite these commitments, there has been no significant progress, and now the university is asking for yet another month to address the issue. This delay is unacceptable and has left the students with no choice but to protest.”

He said that in response to the protests, the university administration resorted to punitive actions by suspending 35 students instead of taking any concrete steps to resolve the issue or preserve their academic careers. “This suspension is a clear attempt to suppress the students' legitimate grievances rather than addressing the underlying problems.”

He further asserted that the students have faced threats of deregistration and even imprisonment if they continued to speak out. “When the students sought answers about the status of the approvals, the university administration advised them to stop pursuing the matter, raising questions about the sincerity of the university’s assurances.”

Khuehami added that on October 18, a scheduled meeting with the university's proctor, which was intended to address the students' concerns, did not take place as planned.” The proctor failed to show up, leaving the students frustrated and without any clear direction. Once again, they were told to wait, with no concrete answers provided. The students, left with no other option, continue to protest out of sheer desperation.”

He urged Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to intervene immediately and raise this matter with the concerned government authorities. He requested the Chief Minister to act swiftly and ensure these students do not lose their precious academic careers due to the university's negligence. "These young students are in desperate need of support, and your timely intervention can help restore their hopes for a secure future," he said.

“We have faith that the popular and elected government will take the concerns of Kashmiri students in mainland India seriously and prioritize redressal. These students cannot be left in limbo. Their future must be protected,”he added.

The Association also urged Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha, to act swiftly to ensure that the well-being and academic continuity of these students are not compromised. The demands of the students “are straightforward: either transfer them to a recognized college or immediately secure the necessary approvals for the B.Sc. Nursing program without causing any loss to their academic progress.”

The Association also urged Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma to intervene and resolve this crisis, restoring hope for these young students. "Their future should not be compromised due to administrative negligence and delays," it said.