HRD directs UGC to ensure Kashmiri students' safety

The University Grants Commission (UGC) on Friday directed the vice-chancellors of all universities to ensure the safety and security of Kashmiri students.

The All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) has also asked all engineering colleges and other technical institutes to create “a support system” for Kashmiri students in consultation with the local law and order enforcement agencies.

The two regulatory bodies have swung into action following an instruction from the Human Resource Development (HRD) ministry.

This comes two days after HRD minister Prakash Javadekar categorically denied reports about Kashmiri students being targetted in different parts of the country in wake of the Pulwama terror attack in which over 40 para-military force personnel were killed on February 14.

Earlier in the day, the Supreme Court also directed chief secretaries and director generals of police (DGPs) of the states and union territories (UTs) to take "prompt" and "necessary" action to prevent incidents of threat, social boycott and violence against Kashmiris following the Pulwama terror attack.

It also sought responses from the Centre and 11 states including Maharashtra, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Haryana, Meghalaya, West Bengal, Uttarakhand and Delhi where incidents of threat and violence against Kashmiris have reportedly taken place.

The apex court was hearing the plea of Tariq Adeeb, a lawyer, who claimed that the students from Kashmir are being attacked at different educational institutions across the country after the Pulwama attack.

“In the context of reports being received through various media regarding the safety of students from Kashmir studying in various higher educational institutions, all universities and colleges affiliated to them are advised to ensure the safety and protection of the students on the campus,” the UGC said in its advisory to universities.

The institutions “may keep a watch” on the situation and seek the support of the law and order machinery in case of any untoward incident, it added.

Higher education secretary R Subramanyam told reporters that the ministry has directed the UGC to give “utmost priority” to ensure Kashmiri students' safety and security.

“The government is spending hundreds of crores of rupees on their (Kashmiri students education. There is not a question of leaving them without adequate protection. If there is any fear, we are here to support,” he added.