Srinagar, Mar 11: The Jammu and Kashmir Students Association (JKSA) on Wednesday wrote to union Home Minister Amit Shah seeking the revocation of FIRs, suspension orders, and an end to the academic uncertainty and alleged harassment faced by Kashmiri students studying at Mewar University in Chittorgarh, Rajasthan.

In its letter to the union Home Minister, the Association highlighted the plight of more than 50 Kashmiri students currently enrolled in the fifth semester of the B Sc Nursing programme at Mewar University.

The students recently came to know that the programme in which they were admitted allegedly lacks the mandatory statutory approvals from the Indian Nursing Council (INC) and the Rajasthan Nursing Council (RNC), the regulatory bodies responsible for regulating nursing education in India.

National Convenor of the Association, Nasir Khuehami, stated that with their degree programme scheduled to be completed within the next four months, the students are facing deep distress and anxiety over the validity of their qualifications, their eligibility for professional registration, and their future employment prospects. If the programme indeed lacks the required approvals, the degree obtained by the students may not be recognised for professional practice, thereby putting several years of their academic effort and financial investment at serious risk.

He said the students were admitted under a J&K scholarship scheme funded by the Indian Army. Having already completed several semesters, they have invested considerable time, effort, and financial resources in the programme. However, the recent revelations have created deep uncertainty regarding the legitimacy of their degree and the recognition of their academic qualifications.

The association said the students approached the university administration seeking clarification and official documentation confirming the approval status of the programme. However, it alleged that the university authorities failed to provide clear responses to their queries.

Following this, students staged a peaceful protest on campus demanding transparency and accountability regarding the recognition status of the course. The association claimed that instead of addressing their concerns, the university administration lodged an FIR against 17 Kashmiri students involved in the protest, who were subsequently detained by authorities.

It further alleged that 33 Kashmiri students had earlier been suspended after raising similar concerns.

The letter further said the situation on campus has reportedly become tense, with students expressing fears over their safety. Allegations have also surfaced that female students were assaulted during the protests and that some students faced harassment by certain faculty members.

The association has requested the Centre to ensure the safety of the students, review the FIR lodged against them, and initiate an independent inquiry into the allegations.

It has also urged authorities to either secure the required approvals for the course or allow the affected students to migrate to a recognised institution so their academic future is not jeopardised.