The Jammu and Kashmir Students Association (JKSA) has reached out to Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu regarding the reported harassment of Kashmiri students at a nursing college in Kurnool. The association highlighted incidents of verbal abuse, denial of religious practices during Ramzan, hijab restrictions, and violation of fundamental rights faced by Kashmiri students at the Government College of Nursing.
Around two dozen Kashmiri students pursuing BSc Nursing at the college have raised serious complaints, with many being young women studying under the Prime Minister’s Scholarship Scheme. The situation has led to fear, humiliation, and mental distress among the students, impacting their academic performance and overall well-being.
The students alleged that they are facing discrimination and harassment based on their Kashmiri identity and religion. Despite being regular boarders, they were questioned for their religious practices and denied basic arrangements for observing Ramzan. The college authorities reportedly prevented them from bringing food from outside to observe Sehri and Iftar.
The students have not been provided adequate arrangements or flexibility to observe fasting during Ramzan, causing emotional and physical hardships. They were discouraged from fasting, asked to remove their hijab, and faced verbal abuse and discrimination. The association termed these actions as a direct violation of their fundamental rights to practice their faith freely.
The college administration’s alleged actions of targeting young female students, pressuring them to vacate the hostel, and threatening suspension for asserting their religious rights have been condemned. The association emphasized that such actions amount to discrimination based on religion and regional identity, violating constitutional guarantees.
The JKSA urged the Chief Minister to conduct an impartial inquiry, ensure protection for students practicing their faith, and facilitate arrangements for Sehri and Iftar during Ramzan. They emphasized the importance of educational institutions being safe and inclusive spaces for all students, regardless of their background.
