Concerns Raised Over Treatment of Kashmiri Students in Punjab University
The Jammu and Kashmir Students Association has raised serious concerns about the treatment of Muslim Kashmiri students at CT University in Punjab. They allege that students faced threats of expulsion for requesting basic meal arrangements during Ramadan. The association is calling for intervention from the Punjab Chief Minister to ensure fair treatment and to address these grievances. They emphasize the need for educational institutions to be safe spaces for all students, regardless of their background, and are urging immediate arrangements for Sehri and Iftar to allow students to observe Ramadan with dignity. This situation highlights the ongoing challenges faced by students in maintaining their religious practices in educational settings.
| Feb 24, 2026, 15:37 IST
Demand for Intervention by Punjab Chief Minister
The Jammu and Kashmir Students Association has urged the Chief Minister of Punjab to intervene regarding the alleged harassment faced by Muslim Kashmiri students at CT University, Punjab. This situation escalated when students requested basic arrangements for Sehri (pre-dawn meal) and Iftar during the holy month of Ramadan. The association reported receiving serious complaints from students, claiming they were threatened with expulsion from the hostel and cancellation of their admissions for asking for timely meals in the university mess during Ramadan.
Allegations of Threats and Intimidation
Nasir Khuehami, the national convenor of the association, stated that the students are regular paying boarders who merely sought essential food arrangements in light of Ramadan. Instead of addressing their legitimate requests, he alleged that the Vice Chancellor and other university officials resorted to threats, abusive language, and warnings to vacate the campus. He emphasized that no student should face hostility, intimidation, or pressure for practicing their faith. Khuehami insisted that universities should be safe spaces that uphold constitutional values, respect, and equal treatment for all, regardless of their region, religion, or background. Any form of threat or discrimination within educational institutions sets a troubling precedent and undermines the spirit of India's diversity and pluralism.
Call for Fair Investigation and Immediate Arrangements
The association has appealed to Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann to intervene, ensuring a fair and timely investigation into the matter and to guarantee that no student faces harassment or punitive measures for practicing their religion. They have also requested immediate arrangements for Sehri and Iftar during the holy month, allowing students to observe Ramadan with dignity while continuing their studies without fear. Khan Fak, the coordinator for JKSA in Punjab-Chandigarh, remarked that historically, this region has been a welcoming and kind home for Kashmiri students and traders, reflecting a spirit of brotherhood and inclusivity. Allowing this issue to remain unresolved risks establishing a harmful and avoidable precedent.