JKSA Seeks Karnataka CM’s Intervention After Kashmiri Student Allegedly Ragged, Assaulted in Bijapur

Srinagar, Feb 19: The Jammu and Kashmir Students Association (JKSA) has urged Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to intervene after a brutal ragging incident involving Hamim, a second-year MBBS student from Anantnag, Kashmir, at Al-Ameen Medical College in Bijapur.

According to JKSA convener Nasir Khuhami, Hamim was assaulted by senior students from the 2019 batch on February 18 when he went to watch a cricket match between the 2019 and 2022 batches at 4 pm.

“A senior ordered him to stay outside the boundary. When he, as the captain of the 2023 batch team, insisted on being near the field, the seniors accused him of ‘defiance’ and began verbally abusing him,” Khuhami said.

The situation escalated into bullying, with seniors allegedly humiliating Hamim by forcing him to perform an “Al-Ameen salute,” sing songs, and dance for their amusement. “They even attempted to force him into their car, implying further harm,” Khuhami added.

Last year, a senior had confronted him for not greeting him in the mess.

When Hamim tried to record the incident, the seniors became aggressive. “Later that evening, 6-8 individuals stormed his hostel room and brutally assaulted him,” Khuhami said.

“They forced him to record an apology video under duress and issued chilling threats, including death threats and a four-year ban from playing cricket.”

Calling it a failure of the system meant to protect students, JKSA demanded strict legal action against the accused, including their immediate expulsion, to set a precedent against ragging.

The association urged CM Siddaramaiah to ensure swift justice for Hamim and take stronger anti-ragging measures to safeguard non-local and Kashmiri students in Karnataka’s educational institutions. [KNT]