J&K Students Association urges AMU VC to reconsider hostel eviction order, says it will impact PhD research of students

SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir Students Association here on Friday expressed deep concern and profound disappointment regarding the recent directive by the Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) administration, which mandates PhD scholars who have completed five years of residency to vacate their hostel rooms. The Association stated that this decision has caused significant distress among scholars who are in the crucial stages of their research, either midway through their projects or on the verge of completing their PhD thesis. 

Additional Spokesperson of the Association, Zubair Reshi, who is himself a PhD scholar at AMU, voiced the sentiment of affected scholars, and said, “Such a harsh directive has never been seen in the history of AMU. This order has exacerbated the already distressed conditions of scholars, who have lost approximately two years of research due to the COVID-19 pandemic.” These two years, marked by unprecedented disruptions, have inflicted a considerable mental toll on scholars, who are striving to regain their academic footing. In light of these disruptions, it is important that the administration demonstrates empathy and understanding towards the extended timelines that scholars now face. 

Reshi noted that AMU Vice-Chancellor Prof. Naima Khatoon had instructed the vacating of various hostels during summer vacations. She has been inspecting the hostels for the last seven days, while the Registrar and Proctor had sealed dozens of rooms in many halls, including SS North Hall. The students have voiced that they should be allowed to stay in the hostel until they submit their PhD thesis. 

He emphasized, “Five years have been completed. Now the oral examination is to be held.” He demanded that the hostel should not be vacated until their oral examinations are completed. The association stressed that this decision will cause considerable inconvenience to the students. Female scholars, in particular, are receiving incessant calls from hall authorities, urging them to vacate their rooms. This relentless pressure is not only disrupting their academic work but is also deteriorating their mental health. Moreover, forcing female students out of the secure environment of university hostels without a clear plan for their accommodation and safety is both irresponsible and alarming, he said. 

Reshi asserted that the university administration's failure to manage illegal accommodations has led to this situation. Vacating the hostels amid 50-degree temperatures poses severe hardships. “The administration is deliberately troubling the students,” "Where should students go after leaving the hostel? he added. 

The association raised grave concerns regarding the safety and security of 1500 J&K students, who are vulnerable and often face unique challenges. The order to vacate hostels has raised significant concerns about the safety and security of scholars from Jammu and Kashmir. The directive to vacate their rooms immediately, without any provision for alternative accommodations, has created an environment of anxiety and insecurity. It is crucial that the administration takes these specific vulnerabilities into account and acts in a manner that ensures their safety and well-being, it added further.