Srinagar, March 11 (NationPress) - The Jammu and Kashmir Students Association (JKSA) has formally reached out to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, requesting the annulment of FIRs and the suspension of 50 Kashmiri students at Mewar University in Rajasthan.

According to Nasir Kheuhami, the national convenor of JKSA, "On Wednesday, we addressed a letter to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, urging the revocation of FIRs, suspension orders, and an end to the academic turmoil and distress faced by our Kashmiri students enrolled at Mewar University in Chittorgarh, Rajasthan."

The letter underscores the difficulties encountered by over 50 Kashmiri students currently in their fifth semester of the B.Sc. Nursing program at Mewar University.

"Recently, these students discovered that the course they enrolled in allegedly lacks the necessary statutory approvals from the Indian Nursing Council (INC) and the Rajasthan Nursing Council (RNC), the governing bodies overseeing nursing education in India," the letter stated.

"With their degree program set to conclude in four months, these students are experiencing significant distress and anxiety regarding the legitimacy of their qualifications, eligibility for professional registration, and future career opportunities," it added.

If the program is indeed without the required approvals, the degrees earned by these students may not be recognized for professional practice, jeopardizing years of academic effort and financial investment, JKSA asserted.

Kheuhami pointed out that these students were enrolled under a scholarship scheme from the Jammu and Kashmir government, financed by the Indian Army. Having completed several semesters, they have dedicated substantial time, effort, and financial resources to this program.

However, these recent disclosures have led to significant uncertainty surrounding the validity of their degrees and the recognition of their academic credentials.

Kheuhami mentioned that the students approached the university administration for clarification regarding the approval status of their program and requested official documents confirming that the B.Sc. Nursing course is indeed recognized by the Indian Nursing Council and the Rajasthan Nursing Council.

Unfortunately, the university authorities allegedly did not provide clear or satisfactory answers to these legitimate inquiries. Consequently, the students organized a peaceful protest on campus, demanding transparency, accountability, and assurance regarding their course's recognition status.

Instead of engaging in constructive dialogue to address the students' concerns, the university administration purportedly resorted to coercive measures, including filing an FIR against 17 students who participated in the protest.

"As a result, the students faced detention, and 33 Kashmiri students were suspended by the university," the statement noted.

The Association emphasized that the students only seek either for the university to obtain the required statutory approvals for the B.Sc. Nursing program promptly or to facilitate their transfer to an accredited institution where they can continue their studies without jeopardizing their academic and professional futures. Such action would help ensure that the years of education they have already undertaken do not go to waste.

The Association expressed that young students who leave their homes to seek education symbolize hope, trust, and a genuine desire to foster stronger connections with the nation's institutions and society.

“Events like these threaten to erode that trust and confidence, necessitating sensitive and timely intervention.

“Umar Jamal, National President of the Association, called upon the Union Home Minister to protect the academic interests, dignity, and safety of Kashmiri students at Mewar University and to intervene promptly to resolve this issue.

Jamal urged the Union Home Minister to direct the Government of Rajasthan, particularly the Chief Minister, to take immediate measures to address the crisis and restore confidence among the affected students and their families.

The Association further called on HM Shah to impose strict actions against the university, including potentially blacklisting the institution if serious violations and irregularities are confirmed regarding the conduct and recognition of the program.

Jamal also requested the Union Home Minister to discuss with the Government of Rajasthan the revocation of the FIR against the 17 Kashmiri students and the suspension of the 33 students, as well as to mandate an independent and impartial investigation into the allegations of assault, harassment, intimidation, and misconduct by university authorities against the students.

JKSA further requested the Union Home Minister to assist in facilitating the transfer of the affected students to another accredited university or nursing institution to adequately safeguard their academic future and careers.