Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir – In a significant development following student protests over alleged harassment, Jammu and Kashmir Minister for Higher Education, Sakina Itoo, has ordered the suspension of the Principal and an Assistant Professor of Amar Singh College. The minister has also mandated a week-long probe into the incident, signaling a serious approach to ensuring a safe academic environment.
College Administration Acts Amidst Student Protests
The Amar Singh College found itself at the center of controversy after students initiated demonstrations on campus. The protests were triggered by allegations of harassment made by a female student against a faculty member, identified as the Head of the Department of Media Studies, Dr. Parvaiz Ahmad Lone. The students demanded immediate intervention from the college administration and called for strict action against the accused.
In response to the student outcry, the college administration initially relieved Dr. Lone from his academic responsibilities pending the completion of an inquiry. An order issued by the Principal’s office stated that Dr. Lone was disassociated from all academic affairs of the department with immediate effect. The Proctorial Board was assigned the task of conducting a transparent and time-bound investigation, with a report expected within two days. Professor Nusrat Sayed was appointed to oversee the affairs of the Media Studies Department during the inquiry period.
Ministerial Intervention and Wider Investigation
Taking serious note of the incident and the subsequent student protests, Minister for Higher Education, Sakina Itoo, has escalated the action. Official sources confirmed that the minister directed the concerned authorities to initiate immediate action, leading to the suspension of both the Principal and an Assistant Professor. An inquiry has been ordered to be completed within a week, with assurances that strict action will be taken against anyone found guilty.
The Jammu and Kashmir Students Association (JKSA) had previously expressed deep concern over the alleged harassment, emphasizing the need for educational institutions to be spaces of security and respect for students. The association urged for a fair, transparent, and impartial investigation, while also cautioning against public shaming or social media trials before the facts are established.
The college administration has stated that mechanisms are in place to address harassment complaints, including disciplinary and Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) structures, with complaint boxes installed across the campus. However, the current incident has prompted a higher-level intervention to ensure accountability and reinforce safety protocols within the educational institution.
Sources within the Higher Education Department have assured that the investigation will be conducted fairly and transparently, aiming to ensure justice and maintain a safe academic environment across Jammu and Kashmir.
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The Chenab Times News Desk
