UGC asks colleges to ensure safety of Kashmiri students

Following numerous reports of attacks on Kashmiri students after the Pulwama terror attack, the University Grants Commission has directed all educational institutions to ensure safety of all students on the campus. Kashmiris studying in colleges and universities in cities like Jaipur, Dehradun, Ambala, Mohali, Bangalore faced backlash due to the terror strike in Pulwama.

The education authority said in the letter, “In the context of reports being received through various media regarding the safety of students from Kashmir studying in various higher educational institutions, all Universities and colleges affiliated to them are advised to ensure the safety and protection of the students on the campus.” The UGC has also advised institutions to seek help from police if required. “They may keep a watch on the situation and seek support of law and order machinery in case of any untoward incident,” the orders read.

The body has also asked heads of the institutions to personally intervene in case of any untoward incident. It adds, “Keeping in view the position stated above, you are requested to look into the matter personally for the safety of the students and for maintaining peace and harmony in universities/colleges.”

Since last week, Kashmiri students have complained of being harassed in their colleges and universities, with many seeking to go back home. Dehradun was the worst hit where more than 100 boys were shifted from their hostels after their hostel mates forced the authorities to get them evicted. In Mulana, Haryana, a village panchayat passed a diktat, directing all villagers who had rented their premises to Kashmiri students, to get it evicted. The district administrations shifted more than 80 students in the college hostel where they were studying as safety measure.