Dec. 2: A protest took place at NIT Srinagar on Tuesday in response to a post shared on social media by a student of the National Institute of Technology (NIT) Srinagar, which allegedly hurt the religious sentiments of Muslims. Officials informed the media that the post, shared by a non-local student on Instagram, targeted Prophet Mohammed ﷺ. This incident escalated the protest within the institute; later it was followed by protests in colleges throughout the city and the broader region of Jammu and Kashmir.
The institute has been closed for all academic activities to prevent further protests. Police and paramilitary forces have been deployed on the institute’s premises, and officials stated that “no outsiders, students, or employees are allowed inside.”
Professor Atiq-u-Rehman, Registrar of NIT Srinagar, reportedly said, “The student was sent home early in the morning, and he was not allowed to sit in ongoing examinations.” Furthermore, he mentioned, “The video he shared on Instagram had been sent to him by someone from the USA. The situation has been pacified, and we have assured action on the matter. An inquiry is ongoing, and recommendations will be followed.”
Inspector General of Police, Kashmir Zone, VK Birdi, is reported to have said they have registered a case under relevant sections, and investigations are underway. Birdi added, “We were informed that students at NIT Srinagar are agitating after some social media posts hurt religious sentiments.”
According to The Quint, a student on campus said, “On the same night, the students sent the recording to the college administration.” The student continued, “He was asked to leave campus on the same night. The next day, students realized that no action had been taken against Shinde for the offensive post. So, they assembled outside the gate to demand punishment against the accused.”
The students added that the administration agreed to take disciplinary action on November 28, debarring the accused student from appearing in examinations and denying him hostel services. “The students thought this was inadequate, as punishments like these are generally given to those who indulge in campus brawls.”
