The National Institute of Technology (NIT) in Srinagar has been shut down and students have been asked to vacate the campus and hostel due to tensions surrounding an alleged blasphemous post by a non-local student. In addition, other degree colleges across Kashmir have been instructed to conduct online classes starting tomorrow.
A notice issued by the Dean, Students Welfare, NIT stated, “All students (boys and girls) are directed to leave the campus/hostel by or before 10 am tomorrow on December 1, 2023.” The mess service in the campus will also be suspended from breakfast onwards.
The administration has cited the “early onset of winter” as the reason for suspending physical classes in colleges. However, high schools and higher secondary schools in Kashmir will continue with regular classes.
The controversy began on Tuesday when a non-local NIT student posted an alleged blasphemous post on social media, leading to massive protests within the institute. Hundreds of students took to the streets demanding action against the accused.
On Wednesday, the protests spread to other colleges in the city. As a result, the NIT campus is currently under heavy security cover and academic activities have been suspended to prevent further protests. The accused student has been charged for hurting the religious sentiments of a particular community.
The police have responded to the incident at NIT by taking cognizance of the situation and charging the student for posting sensitive content. “Police has taken cognizance of the incident of uploading of sensitive content against religious sentiments of a particular community by one student of NIT Srinagar. Upon receipt of communication from NIT authorities, case FIR No.156/23 u/s 295A,153A,153 IPC registered in PS Nigeen on 28.11.23,” stated the Srinagar Police.
Furthermore, the police have warned the public against spreading rumors or false information and have urged them not to be influenced by the propaganda of anti-social elements. Legal action will be taken against those involved in provocative acts or instigation.
The situation remains tense as the authorities work to maintain peace and security on the NIT campus and in the surrounding areas.
