17 Kashmiri students released from jail after intervention by Rajasthan NSUI, local Muslim community members, says JKSA

SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir Students Association (JKSA) on Wednesday said that 17 Kashmiri students of Mewar University in Chittorgarh, Rajasthan, who had been detained following a protest over the course recognition issue, have been released after the intervention and support of the Rajasthan State NSUI unit and members of the local Muslim community.The students were initially detained at a local police station and were later shifted to the Sub Jail in Chittorgarh before being released.

The Association expressed sincere gratitude to the Rajasthan NSUI leadership, its members, and the supportive local residents of Gangrar in Chittorgarh for extending crucial assistance in securing the release of the students during a difficult and distressing situation.The Association said it has also been in touch with the Rajasthan NSUI leadership, and Nirmal Choudhary, former President of Rajasthan University, and has urged them to continue engaging with the concerned authorities to help resolve the issue and safeguard the academic future of the affected students.

The students, currently enrolled in the B.Sc. Nursing programme at Mewar University, had staged a peaceful protest within the campus premises after serious concerns emerged regarding the alleged lack of mandatory statutory approvals from the Indian Nursing Council (INC) and the Rajasthan Nursing Council (RNC) for the programme.National President of the Association, Umar Jamal, said that instead of addressing the students’ legitimate concerns through dialogue and transparency, the university administration allegedly resorted to coercive measures, including lodging an FIR against 17 Kashmiri students and suspending 33 others.

The Association stated that the intervention and solidarity shown by Rajasthan NSUI members and the local Muslim community of Gangrar played a crucial role in ensuring the safe release of the detained students and preventing further distress to them and their families. JKSA said such humane support and responsible intervention are deeply appreciated.The Association also expressed concern that despite the seriousness of the situation and the academic uncertainty faced by more than 50 Kashmiri students currently studying in the 5th semester of the B.Sc. Nursing programme, no substantive relief or intervention has so far been provided by the Rajasthan Government.

The FIR lodged against the students has further compounded their anxiety and distress.The Association reiterated that the students had merely demanded clarity regarding the recognition status of their course and sought either the immediate securing of the necessary statutory approvals or their migration to another duly recognized institution so that their academic future and professional prospects are not jeopardized.

The Association urged the Chief Minister of Rajasthan Bhajan Lal Sharma to take a fair and compassionate view of the matter by revoking the FIRs registered against the students, withdrawing the suspension orders, and ensuring that their academic interests are adequately protected.The Association further informed that the next hearing in the case has been scheduled for March 18, expressing hope that the matter will be resolved in a just and constructive manner.