Kashmiri BSc Nursing students allege assault at Mewar University; Political leaders seek intervention

Over 50 Kashmiri students enrolled in the BSc Nursing programme at Mewar University in Chittorgarh, Rajasthan, are facing uncertainty after a campus protest over the course’s regulatory approval allegedly turned violent, leaving at least four students injured and 33 suspended by college authorities.

As per the student accounts and media reports, tensions escalated during a demonstration over the alleged absence of mandatory approvals from the Indian Nursing Council (INC) and the Rajasthan Nursing Council (RNC). Students of the 2022–2026 batch, admitted under the Indian army’s Jammu & Kashmir Special Scholarship Scheme (JKSSS) scheme, said they were distressed after learning that the required recognition for their programme may not be in place.

During the protest, students alleged that a group of outsiders confronted them on campus, resulting in scuffles. Four Kashmiri students were reportedly injured and a female student was allegedly manhandled. Visuals circulating on social media showed chaos in university corridors, with students gathering in large numbers. Some protesters claimed that individuals carrying knives arrived at the scene, though these allegations could not be independently verified. Local police have not issued a detailed public statement on the incident so far.

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Mewar University: Recognition row draws political attention

The dispute dates back to 2023, when students first raised concerns about the recognition status of their nursing course. They allege that they were initially shown documents claiming regulatory approval had been secured, only to later discover discrepancies. Subsequent protests were reportedly withdrawn after the university assured them that approvals would be obtained or that students would be migrated to a recognised institution. However, students claim that no resolution has materialised.

With just a few months left before graduation, students fear that without statutory recognition, their degrees may not be valid for professional registration or employment.

The incident has triggered political reactions in Jammu and Kashmir. Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi wrote to the Jammu and Kashmir Students Association(JKSA) expressing concern over what he described as a “spate of violent attacks” targeting Kashmiri students in different parts of the country. In his letter, Gandhi said the “politics of hate” had corroded institutions and assured that his party would continue to oppose violence against Kashmiri students.

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Apni Party leader Ghulam Hassan Mir also expressed concern over reports of assault and the continued suspension of 33 students. As per the media reports several legislators in the Jammu and Kashmir assembly raised the issue, calling for intervention to ensure the safety and academic protection of the affected students.

Students have demanded immediate clarity on course recognition and protection from further intimidation as they await a formal response from authorities.