‘Denied basic arrangements for Sehri’: Kashmiri students allege Ramzan curbs at Kurnool nursing college

Kurnool: A serious controversy has erupted at the Government College of Nursing in Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh, where female students from Kashmir have alleged severe harassment, religious discrimination and verbal abuse by the college administration.

‘Violations of fundamental rights’

The Jammu and Kashmir Students Association (JKSA) has sought the urgent intervention of Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, flagging grave violations of the students’ fundamental rights, including the denial of Sehri and Iftar arrangements during Ramzan and restrictions on wearing the hijab.

Allegations of ‘terrorist’ slurs and religious discrimination

According to a letter addressed to the Chief Minister by JKSA, the students, who are pursuing BSc Nursing under the Prime Minister’s Special Scholarship Scheme (PMSSS), are being systematically targeted based on their identity.

Speaking to NewsMeter, the students alleged that they have been subjected to humiliating slurs like ‘dumb’ frequently when they complained about any issues that they were facing.

“They are raising their fingers at us for being Muslim. We have even heard them call us terrorists,” a student said.

She recounted a specific instance where a faculty member allegedly told a student returning late from vacation, “You are preparing for a terror attack, that’s why you came late to the hostel and college.” The student added that they usually face a delay in flights while returning to the college.

‘Stopped from preparing for Sehri’

The students report that they are being denied basic arrangements for Sehri and Iftar during the Ramzan season. When they attempted to order food from outside during the holy month, college authorities reportedly stopped them.

In the JKSA letter, students alleged they were told by the college administration, “If they (students) were so much into religion, they should not have joined this college.”

JKSA Convenor condemns eviction threats

Nasir Khuehami, National Convenor of the JKSA, expressed deep concern over the college administration’s move to force the students to vacate the hostel immediately.

Speaking to NewsMeter, Khuehami emphasised the vulnerability of these students. “They almost vacated their hostel last night. I told them to be at ease and stay for at least a day while we communicate with the authorities,” Khuehami said.

He highlighted that these students are scholars under a confidence-building measure initiated by the Government of India and placed via AICTE counselling; they did not arbitrarily choose the college but were allocated seats based on merit.

The college authority is asking them, “‘If you have to perform your religious practice, why did you come to Andhra Pradesh?’ This is a very absurd answer,” Khuehami stated. “It is not the fault of the students. It is the AICTE board which decides which student is enrolled in which college.”

Students fear for their academic future

The students, who requested anonymity for fear of further reprisal, described a hostile environment where they are threatened with suspension if they insist on their rights.

“They are forcefully telling us to vacate the hostel. There is no accommodation outside; people fear us and say they can’t give accommodation to Kashmiri people,” another student told NewsMeter.

‘Adjust or leave’

The students also highlighted issues regarding basic amenities, such as a lack of fans in 45-degree heat, and stated that when they complain, they are told to ‘adjust’ or leave. “They are pointing us out. We are sacrificing everything to be here... our mental state has deteriorated because of this torture,” the students shared.

The JKSA has sent copies of their representation to CM Naidu, Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan and Education Minister Nara Lokesh, hoping for an impartial and time-bound inquiry.

NewsMeter has reached out to the administration of the Government College of Nursing, Kurnool, for their version of the events. However, at the time of writing, there has been no response to our queries.