JKSA writes to Karnataka CM after Kashmiri students forced to trim beards in Bengaluru college

Srinagar, Nov 09: The Jammu and Kashmir Students Association (JKSA) on Saturday wrote to Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to seek his intervention after Kashmiri students were allegedly forced to trim their beards at a college in the state.

In a letter, the Association said that over two dozen Kashmiri students at a college in Bengaluru were facing undue restrictions regarding their personal appearance, specifically the growing of beards in accordance with their cultural and religious practices.

The college administration has mandated that students either trim their beards to a “01” trimmer length or be clean-shaven as a condition for participating in college activities and entering the premises, particularly for clinical duties, the JKSA said.

National Convenor of the Association, Nasir Khuehami, said that students who do not comply with this directive are being marked absent during clinical duties, negatively impacting their academic records and attendance, a statement issued by the JKSA said.

He emphasized that the right to personal appearance, including the choice to grow a beard, is a fundamental part of an individual’s identity and freedom.

“These actions not only infringe upon the rights of these students but also foster an atmosphere of fear and exclusion,” stated Khuehami, adding that such policies are contrary to the spirit of education and democracy.

The Association urged Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to intervene to protect the fundamental rights of these students and to take swift, decisive action to address the issue. “As a state that prides itself on its rich cultural heritage and tradition of embracing diversity, such incidents are deeply concerning."

Highlighting Karnataka’s reputation as an inclusive and diverse state, the Association called on the state government to initiate steps that promote tolerance and inclusivity in educational institutions and to ensure that students from all backgrounds feel welcome and valued. “We believe that with the intervention of the Karnataka Chief Minister, the rights and dignity of all students will be protected and upheld,” Khuehami said.