Much Needed Words Of Assurance From The Center

Students at the National Institute of Technology, Srinagar have been assured by many political figures that their safety is of prime concern. The center has taken steps to ensure that the college continues to work normally. The ministers are trying to make students feel safe on campus.

Cricket Leads To Crisis

It all started on the 31st of March when India lost the semi-finals of the World T20 Cup. The defeat in the match against West Indies saddened Indians.

At such a time, a handful of locally residing students of NIT Srinagar celebrated India’s loss with a few crackers.

Other students were infuriated by this. They reacted with protests. This led to a clash between students, now divided into two groups.

Authorities Shut College Down

The protests continued. Students tried to hoist the Indian flag at the administrative block of the college. Both groups of students shouted serious slogans.

The campus no longer felt safe. The administrative authorities of the college had to close the campus down.

It remained closed from Saturday, 1st of March till the following Monday.
With tight security both from the local police and from paramilitary forces, the college reopened on Monday.

Further Protests

Despite the presence of security forces, fresh protests were carried out by students.

Students from the non-resident group expressed their desire to leave the college and head back home.

Clash With The Local Police

Attempts by the police to calm the angered students resulted in more chaos.

A few students who were protesting pushed a senior police officer. Police then had to use the force of lathi-charge. A few students were injured.

The Center Steps In

To ease the tension at the campus, the Central and State Ministry are trying to make the campus safe for students. There have been assurances by a few ministers that the campus will be safe again.

Can Students Feel Safe

Some of the steps taken by the HRD Ministry with proper employment of security forces can help students feel safe again. The following are some reasons to feel safe:

• Assurance from Home Minister Rajnath Singh
• Assurance from Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, Mehbooba Mufti
• Assurance from HRD Minister Smriti Irani
• Visit by a team of director-level officers from the ministry.

The Home Minister has spoken to the J&K Chief Minister, who has also assured that the college will be back to normal soon. HRD Minister Smriti Irani has also spoken to the Chief Minister regarding the same.

The team of officers from the HRD ministry has spoken to students and tried for reconciliation. They are trying to bring back the students’ confidence in the safety of their premises.

Inquiry Into The Incident

The Chief Minister has also assured to conduct an inquiry to know more about how it all happened. Those responsible could then be addressed to.

All the above and ongoing attempts to restore safety should make the students feel safe again. Life at the college on the banks of picturesque Dal Lake should come back to normal.