HRD team at NIT Srinagar; outstation students seek security

With tension prevailing at the National Institute of Technology (NIT) here, a two-member team from the Union HRD ministry on Wednesday held consultation with officials of the engineering institute even as outstation students put forth five demands including action against staff involved in "anti-national" activities.

"The two-member team from the HRD ministry has arrived and is holding consultations with NIT officials," an official of the NIT told PTI.

A senior official said the HRD team which included Sanjeev Sharma, Director (Technical Education) in the HRD ministry and Deputy Director Finance Fazal Mehmood will also interact with the students of the institute to take stock of the situation.

"The mandate is to build confidence amongst students and assure them about their safety," the official said.

As the HRD team arrived here, National Conference leader Omar Abdullah said the matter needs "tactful handling" and the state government should look into it "without back seat drivers".

"Rushing in a team from HRD ministry coupled with the CRPF replacing J&K police speaks volumes about Delhi's confidence in Mehbooba Mufti," Omar wrote on Twitter.

On Friday last, the campus had witnessed clashes between local and outstation students over India's defeat in the semi-final match in the World T20 tournament.

After the clashes, the NIT authorities had shut down the institute which was reopened on Tuesday.

Unrest was witnessed again on Tuesday at the campus, with outstation students expressing a sense of insecurity and attempting to leave the campus, leading to a confrontation with police which resorted to lathicharge in which some were injured.

In a letter to the management of NIT Srinagar dated April 4, the outstation students have listed five demands that, they feel, would enable them to peacefully reside at the campus and concentrate on their studies.

"Due to the anti-national activities rising in campus premises, students not local to Srinagar have faced serious problems as well as life threats. Due to the cold situation here, students are eager to reach their homes," the letter said.

"National Flag should be hoisted at main gate/fountain (The state flag may be hoisted as well)," the students demanded.