Kashmiri students enrolled at the Government College of Nursing, Kurnool in Andhra Pradesh have alleged that they were subjected to discriminatory treatment by the college administration, including denial of arrangements during Ramzan, restrictions on wearing the hijab, threats of suspension, and verbal harassment.
According to the Jammu and Kashmir Students Association, women students from Jammu and Kashmir who are pursuing BSc Nursing under the Prime Minister’s Special Scholarship Scheme reported being targeted because of their Kashmiri identity and religious practices.
In a representation to the Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister, the association said the students had complained of ongoing discrimination, humiliation, and harassment, which had created a climate of fear and emotional distress, adversely affecting their studies and overall well-being.
The students reportedly said that despite being regular, fee-paying residents of the hostel, they were questioned by college authorities about their decision to join the institution and were made to feel unwelcome for observing religious practices. These remarks were described as inappropriate and discriminatory, Maktoob Media reported.
They further alleged that their requests for basic arrangements for Sehri and Iftar during Ramzan were turned down and that they were not given sufficient flexibility during fasting hours. The complaint also claimed that students were prevented from bringing food from outside for Sehri and Iftar.
According to the representation, some students were told that those who were “too religious” should not have enrolled at the college. The students also alleged that they were asked to remove their hijab and were discouraged from practising their faith, which they said amounted to a violation of their fundamental rights.
The complaint further stated that Kashmiri students were singled out for verbal harassment, with derogatory remarks including being called “dumb,” “useless,” “idiot,” and even “terrorists being directed at them. The students also claimed they were warned of possible suspension if they continued to raise their concerns with the authorities.