The Jammu and Kashmir Students Association (JKSA) on Wednesday wrote to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, seeking the withdrawal of FIRs, revocation of suspension orders, and an end to the academic uncertainty and alleged harassment faced by Kashmiri students studying at Mewar University in Chittorgarh, Rajasthan.
In its letter, the association highlighted the concerns of more than 50 Kashmiri students enrolled in the 5th semester of the B.Sc. Nursing programme at the university. The students recently learned that the programme in which they were admitted allegedly does not have the mandatory statutory approvals from the Indian Nursing Council (INC) and the Rajasthan Nursing Council (RNC), the regulatory bodies governing nursing education in India.
National Convenor of the association Nasir Khuehami said the students are scheduled to complete their degree within the next four months but are now facing serious anxiety about the validity of their qualifications, eligibility for professional registration, and future employment prospects. If the programme indeed lacks the required approvals, the degree obtained by the students may not be recognised for professional practice, putting years of academic effort and financial investment at risk.
He said the students were admitted under a J&K scholarship scheme funded by the Indian Army and have already completed several semesters. However, the recent developments have created uncertainty about the legitimacy of their degree and the recognition of their academic credentials.
Khuehami added that the students approached the university administration seeking clarification about the approval status of the programme and requested official documents confirming that the B.Sc. Nursing course had been recognised by the Indian Nursing Council and the Rajasthan Nursing Council. However, the university authorities allegedly failed to provide clear responses to their concerns.
He further said that the students staged a peaceful protest on the campus demanding transparency and assurance regarding the recognition of their course. Instead of addressing their concerns through dialogue, the university administration allegedly took punitive action, including lodging an FIR against 17 Kashmiri students who participated in the protest. The students were later detained, and 33 Kashmiri students were suspended by the university.
The association said the students are only demanding that the university either obtain the required statutory approvals for the programme without delay or facilitate their transfer to a recognised institution where they can continue their studies without risking their academic and professional future.
The association stated that students who leave their homes in pursuit of education place trust in the country’s institutions, and incidents like these can undermine that confidence if not addressed sensitively.
National President of the association Umar Jamal urged the Union Home Minister to safeguard the academic interests, dignity, and safety of Kashmiri students at Mewar University and to intervene urgently in the matter.
He also appealed to the Home Minister to direct the Rajasthan government to take immediate steps to resolve the crisis and restore confidence among the affected students and their families. The association further demanded strict action against the university, including blacklisting the institution if serious violations are found in the conduct and recognition of the programme.
The association also requested that the FIR against the 17 Kashmiri students and the suspension of 33 students be revoked, and called for an independent inquiry into the allegations of assault, harassment, intimidation, and misconduct by the university authorities.
It further urged the government to facilitate the migration or transfer of the affected students to another recognised university or nursing institution to protect their academic future and careers. (Agency)
