Kashmiri student will not be forced to shave their beard, Karnataka CM‘s office informed JKSA
11/11/2024
Srinagar, November 11 (KIP)-A day after three dozen Kashmiri students studying at the Government College of Nursing in Holenarasipur, affiliated with the Hassan Institute of Medical Sciences, were compelled to shave their beards, the Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's office clarified on Sunday that the issue has been resolved.
The Karnataka Chief Minister's Office has assured the J&K Students Association that no Kashmiri student will be forced to shave their beard and that their cultural and religious practices will be respected.
This assurance follows an incident where approximately three dozen Kashmiri students at the Government College of Nursing in Holenarasipur were reportedly compelled to shave their beards. Nasir Khuehami, National Convenor of the Jammu and Kashmir Students Association, confirmed that the office of Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah clarified on Sunday that the matter has been resolved.
Khuehami said that the Karnataka Chief Minister’s Office responded promptly to the concerns raised by the J&K Students Association regarding the forced shaving of Kashmiri students’ beards. Following this intervention, the issue was promptly addressed.
The Chief Minister’s Office, along with the Principal Secretary for Medical Education, Mohammad Mohsin, IAS, assured that strict action would be taken against the officials involved. A show-cause notice has been issued to the Dean and Director of the Hassan Institute of Medical Sciences, and the Principal has received a formal warning. Medical education authorities have also directed that any future issues of this nature be dealt with immediately.
Kashmiri students provided written statements indicating that the matter has been resolved amicably. The government also sent a notice to the Director and Principal of the college, seeking a report on the incident.
The Jammu and Kashmir Students Association expressed gratitude to Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and the Principal Secretary for Medical Education for their prompt intervention. The Chief Minister’s Office emphasized the need for medical colleges to exercise caution when issuing instructions and orders to avoid misunderstandings. It stated.
"Medical colleges have been instructed to be cautious when issuing such instructions to prevent misunderstandings and instructions and orders. The right to personal appearance, including the choice to grow a beard, is a fundamental aspect of an individual’s freedom and identity. The college administration has apologized for this infringement," he added.
In a statement, the J&K Students Association National Convenor Nasir Khuehami thanked the Chief Minister for his assistance in resolving the matter. "This timely intervention reassures students across the country of their right to uphold personal beliefs and cultural identity free from discrimination. We commend the Karnataka Government for its commitment to justice, equality, and inclusivity, setting a positive precedent for educational institutions nationwide," stated Khuehami.