Offensive social media post sparks protest at NIT Srinagar

Srinagar, Nov 28: A social media post allegedly hurting religious sentiments by a student of National Institute of Technology (NIT) Srinagar sparked protest in the institute.

The post was shared on Instagram by a non-local student triggering outrage among students who alleged that it was derogatory and hurt their religious sentiments.

Official sources said students inside NIT Campus located at Nigeen area here were demanding stringent action against the student.

“The video shared on Instagram has drawn attention for its alleged offensive content,” reports adding that students organised protest and demanded appropriate action against the accused student.

They said that the situation remained tense, however later returned to normal after officials assured action against the student.

Professor Atiq-u-Rehman, Registrar, NIT Srinagar said that inquiry is underway and the student did not sit in the examination that are currently going on in campus. “The student was sent home today early in
the morning and he was not allowed to sit in ongoing examinations,” Atiq-u-Rehman, told Greater Kashmir.

“The video he shared on Instagram had been sent to him by someone from the USA. The situation has been pacified and we assured action into the matter. Inquiry is going on and recommendations will be followed,” the Registrar said, adding that police have registered a case.

Inspector General of Police, Kashmir zone, V K Birdi said that they have registered a case under relevant sections and investigations are underway. “We were informed that students at NIT Srinagar are agitating after some social media post hurting religious sentiments,” IGP Kashmir Greater Kashmir said, adding that the Registrar explained to them action was being taken.

The Kashmir Police chief said that police registered a case after receiving a written document from Registrar NIT. “We have registered a case under relevant sections and investigations are underway.”

Pertinently, in 2016, clashes broke out at the institute between outstation and local students following India's defeat to West Indies in the T-20 World Cup semi-final, leading to a closure of the NIT for many days.