Massive protests erupted at the National Institute of Technology-Srinagar on Tuesday against the derogatory remarks made by a student against Prophet Muhammad.
A video of the incident, widely circulated on the internet, shows students raising slogans against the accused student and demanding action against him. They were also chanting popular phrases in praise of the Prophet.
A student named Prathamesh Shindhe from NIT Srinagar stirred controversy after posting a video on Instagram. The video has drawn attention for its offensive and derogatory content.
As a result, students and members of the community have organised protests, expressing their displeasure and demanding appropriate action against the student responsible.
The students blocked both the gates of the institution, located in the Nigeen area of the city, and raised slogans inside the campus, officials said. The protests continued till six in the evening.
The situation remained tense as both supporters and opponents of Prathamesh’s video engaged in dialogues and debates on freedom of expression versus responsible communication.
Professor Atiq-u-Rehman, Registrar, NIT Srinagar stated that they are investigating the matter to determine if the video violates any guidelines or policies.
“The student was sent home early in the morning,” he said.
Meanwhile, on Tuesday, the administration issued a notice suspending all academic activities, examinations and administrative works of 29 November.
Inspector General of Police, Kashmir zone, V K Birdi said that they have registered a case after receiving the complaint from administration against agitating students. He also added that the police will take action against the students after investigation.
Kashmiri students of NIT expressed their fear and concern over the possible reactions from the side of police keeping in mind the incidents of the past.
Earlier, the Jammu and Kashmir Police have arrested seven students of Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (SKUAST) under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) for celebrating the victory of the Australian cricket team against India in the World Cup 2023 final.
After the students of NIT staged a protest, students of Amar Singh College, Cluster University in Srinagar organised a solidarity gathering inside the campus against derogatory remarks made on the Prophet.
The protests at NIT have been called off as the officials have assured of action against the accused student.
