SRINAGAR: The Vice-Chancellor of CT University, Ludhiana, has been removed from service following allegations of misbehaviour and threats against Kashmiri Muslim students who had sought special meal arrangements during the holy month of Ramzan. District authorities confirmed that the matter has been resolved after intervention, dialogue and the initiation of an official inquiry.
University Chancellor Charanjit Singh Channi said the services of Vice-Chancellor Nitin Tandon were terminated on Tuesday in the wake of the controversy. He added that an internal probe has been initiated, while a separate inquiry committee led by the Jagraon Sub-Divisional Magistrate has also been constituted.
The controversy arose after a group of Kashmiri students alleged that they were denied appropriate arrangements for ‘Sehri’ (pre-dawn meal) and ‘Iftar’ (meal to break the fast) in the university mess. The students claimed that when they raised the issue, they were subjected to abusive language and warned of eviction from hostels and cancellation of admissions.
The students staged a protest on campus, raising slogans against the Vice-Chancellor. According to some accounts, a section of students briefly locked the mess designated for Iftar in protest.
Ludhiana Deputy Commissioner Himanshu Jain stated that the district administration, in coordination with the Ludhiana Rural Senior Superintendent of Police and community leaders, intervened to defuse the situation. Jain said the agitation was called off after authorities ordered a thorough inquiry and the university management removed the Vice-Chancellor. He thanked both the students and the university for maintaining peace and resolving the issue through dialogue.
Peoples Democratic Party leader Iltija Mufti also raised the matter publicly, urging action against the Vice-Chancellor and sharing a video purportedly showing the exchange between students and the university head.
University authorities maintained that meal facilities were being provided and that the dispute arose over additional items such as fruits and dates. The Dean of Students’ Welfare said the university was prepared to make necessary additions to meet the students’ requirements.
Following the resignation and administrative intervention, the protesting students withdrew their agitation in writing, stating that their primary demand had been met. District officials said the situation on campus is now normal, with further action subject to the findings of the ongoing inquiries. -(Agencies)
