Kashmir: NIT Srinagar and Other Colleges Halt Classes Amidst Protests over Controversial Video
Srinagar, 30th November 2023: Amid escalating tensions triggered by an “objectionable” video posted on social media by an engineering student, authorities swiftly moved to halt classes at two prominent colleges, including the National Institute of Technology (NIT) in Srinagar. The NIT administration, in response to the ongoing turmoil, declared winter vacations starting from November 30, instructing all hostel residents to vacate immediately.
The root cause of the unrest stems from a video shared by an engineering student, leading to the student’s suspension and legal action by the Jammu & Kashmir Police over allegations of “hurting religious sentiments.” This incident has ignited fierce clashes between students at the NIT campus over the past three days.
As the agitation intensified, protests spilled over to other campuses, such as Amar Singh College and the Islamia College of Science and Commerce in Srinagar. These demonstrations saw students chanting pro-Islam slogans and demanding stringent action against the accused student.
In response to the turmoil, the Islamia College of Science and Commerce suspended all academic activities for the day, with both institutes scheduled to resume normal operations on December 1, 2023, according to a university spokesperson.
The Jammu & Kashmir Police issued an appeal urging the public not to succumb to the disruptive agendas of certain individuals seeking mileage from the situation.
Director General of Police (DGP) R.R. Swain emphasized the commitment to safeguard religious sentiments and warned against any attempts to disrupt communal harmony and brotherhood in the region.
Addressing the severity of the situation, the DGP highlighted plans to enact legal measures under the Cr.PC, holding accountable those disseminating content that could incite communal tensions, promote terrorism, or foster separatism.
The turmoil at NIT Srinagar prompted stringent action, including the student’s one-year rustication. However, this measure failed to appease protesting students, who demand further punishment and the arrest of the accused.
