NIT Srinagar Initiates Winter Vacations Amidst Controversy Over Blasphemous Social Media Post

In an unexpected move, the National Institute of Technology (NIT), Hazratbal Srinagar, has declared winter vacations, prompting all hostel residents to vacate their accommodations immediately. This decision comes in the midst of ongoing semester exams, adding an unusual twist to the academic calendar.

The official circular, issued on 30th November 2023 under endorsement number NITS/R/23/600, cites the declaration of winter vacations as the basis for the immediate evacuation directive. The suddenness of the announcement has raised eyebrows, especially considering its timing during the crucial examination period.

Coincidentally, the directive follows the booking of a student from NIT Srinagar by the Jammu & Kashmir Police on November 29. The student faces charges of “insulting Islam” and “outraging religious feelings” due to a contentious social media post. The police spokesperson stated that the incident involved the “uploading of sensitive content against religious sentiments of a particular community by one student of the NIT, Srinagar.”

The case has been registered under Sections 295A (malicious acts intended to outrage religious feelings), 153, and 153A (vilification of the founders and prophets of a religion) of the Indian Penal Code. The controversy surrounding the student’s post has fueled protests in the Kashmir Valley, adding tension to an already delicate situation.

While the institute has not explicitly linked the vacation directive to the controversial social media post, the timing raises questions about whether it is a precautionary measure or a response to the escalating situation. The abrupt nature of the hostel evacuation has left students scrambling to adjust their plans amidst the ongoing examinations.

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