Rajasthan, Feb 18: Over two dozen nursing students from Kashmir enrolled at Mewar University in Gangrar area of Chittorgarh district, Rajasthan, have sought urgent intervention from Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, alleging assault and intimidation following a campus protest over the institution’s recognition status.
The students, speaking to the news agency Kashmir News Trust over phone, claimed that tensions erupted after they came to know that the university allegedly does not possess approval from the Indian Nursing Council and the Rajasthan Nursing Council. With their degree programme scheduled for completion within the next four months, the students said the revelation has left them distressed about the validity of their qualifications.
According to the students, they staged a protest on campus seeking clarification from the university administration. During the course of the protest, they alleged that a group of students from Bihar, supported by local Bajrang Dal activists, confronted and assaulted them, resulting in injuries to four Kashmiri students. They further alleged that a female student was also manhandled during the altercation.
The students claimed that attempts are being made to communalise the issue and expressed dissatisfaction over the response of the local police, alleging inaction. They said they currently feel insecure on campus and fear further intimidation.
Approximately two dozen Kashmiri students had secured admission to the university under the JKSSS scheme initiated by the Indian Army. The aggrieved students have appealed to the Jammu and Kashmir government to intervene with the Rajasthan authorities to ensure their safety and to address concerns regarding the recognition of their course.
There was no immediate response from the university administration at the time of filing this report. [KNT]
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