Srinagar, Oct 15 (JKNS): Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K) has suspended academic activities at its Faculty of Forestry, Benhama, Ganderbal, and directed students from Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh residing in the boys’ and girls’ hostels to vacate their rooms by 10:00 AM on October 16.
According to an order issued by the Dean, a copy of which lies with news agency JKNS stated that, Faculty of Forestry, on October 15, all academic activities, including classwork for undergraduate, postgraduate (M.Sc.) and Ph.D. courses, have been suspended until further orders, with the exception of first-year undergraduate classes.
The order further directs students from Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh residing in the Pine Boys’ and Girls’ Hostels to vacate their rooms by the stipulated deadline, warning that any violation would invite serious consequences under rules.
The wardens of both hostels have been directed to ensure that the accommodation is vacated within the prescribed timeframe.
Meanwhile, Iltija Mufti has criticised the university’s decision, alleging that the suspension of classes and hostel vacation order were linked to the ongoing protest by forestry students over recruitment rules.
In a post on X, Mufti said the students had been protesting for the past 23 days for fairness in recruitment rules and described the university’s action as “sheer injustice and gross over reach.”
“Instead of ensuring an equitable recruitment policy you are deliberately pushing them to the wall,” she wrote, alleging that the order amounted to institutional intimidation.
Mufti urged the university to revoke the order at the earliest and tagged National Conference leader Javed Dar, SKUAST-K and the Ministry of Education in her post.
The university’s order did not specify the reasons for suspending academic activities or directing students to vacate the hostels. (JKNS)
