Iltija Mufti Visits Benhama, Ganderbal,Expresses Solidarity with SKUAST-K Students
Demands Justice for Forestry Graduates
21/10/2026
Benhama, Ganderbal, October 21 (KIP)-PDP leader Iltija Mufti today visited Benhama in Ganderbal to express solidarity with protesting students of SKUAST-Kashmir over the proposed recruitment rules for Forester posts in the Jammu and Kashmir Forest Department. She also expressed concern over the notice directing students to vacate their hostels amid the ongoing protest.
Interacting with the students, Iltija listened to their grievances and questioned the rationale behind recruitment rules that fail to adequately recognise specialised forestry qualifications. She stressed that the protection and management of forests, flora and fauna, and the region’s fragile ecological resources require specialised technical knowledge, scientific understanding and practical field experience.
She questioned how candidates without specialised forestry education, including those holding degrees in Commerce or Engineering, could be expected to discharge responsibilities requiring an in-depth understanding of forest ecosystems, biodiversity, wildlife and conservation, without the necessary domain-specific training. She emphasised that while every academic discipline has its own value, professional roles involving forest management must give due importance to the qualifications and expertise directly relevant to the job.
Iltija further expressed concern over the notice asking protesting students to vacate their hostels, stating that the grievances of students should be addressed through dialogue rather than measures that add to their distress. She urged the university authorities to act sensitively and ensure that students are not penalised for raising legitimate concerns about their professional future.
Calling upon the concerned authorities to reconsider the proposed recruitment framework, she demanded a fair and transparent policy that recognises specialised forestry education and safeguards the interests of qualified graduates.
She reiterated that the voices of educated youth must be heard and that the future of students who have worked hard to acquire professional qualifications cannot be compromised. The authorities must engage with the protesting students, address their genuine concerns and ensure justice through a reasoned and equitable resolution.