Examiner Bureau | Srinagar:
The Jammu and Kashmir government has suspended the Principal of Amar Singh College Srinagar and an assistant professor of the institution following intense student protests over allegations of verbal harassment of a female student by a faculty member, officials said on Friday.
The action comes a day after large-scale demonstrations erupted on the college campus, with students demanding strict action against the accused faculty member and calling for a safe academic environment.
A senior official in the Higher Education Department said the government has taken serious note of the matter and ordered a comprehensive inquiry into the incident.
“The Education Minister has treated the issue with utmost seriousness and directed an in-depth investigation. A committee has been constituted and asked to submit its report within one week,” the official said.
Earlier, the Head of the Department of Media Studies at Amar Singh College was disassociated from all academic and administrative responsibilities of the department pending completion of the inquiry.
According to an official order issued by the college administration, the decision was taken in response to the student demonstrations regarding the alleged harassment of a female student.
“The Proctorial Board has been entrusted with conducting a transparent and time-bound inquiry into the matter and shall submit its report within two days,” the order issued by Principal Prof. Aijaz Hakak stated.
The order further said that Prof. Nusrat Sayed has been assigned to oversee the affairs of the Department of Media Studies until the investigation is completed.
Speaking to media persons, the college principal confirmed that a complaint had been received from a female student regarding the conduct of a faculty member from the Media Studies department.
“An inquiry has already been initiated and the findings will be submitted to the Higher Education Department for further action,” he said, adding that students had been assured that strict and appropriate measures would follow if allegations were substantiated.
Meanwhile, the Higher Education Department has also initiated a separate probe into reports that outsiders were present inside the college premises during the protests.
A senior department official said authorities are examining how non-students allegedly entered the campus and participated in the demonstrations.
“This aspect is also under investigation. It has to be determined how outsiders were allowed to enter the college premises during a sensitive situation,” the official said.
The incident has triggered widespread debate over student safety, accountability within educational institutions, and campus security protocols. Student groups have urged the administration to ensure a transparent inquiry and implement stronger mechanisms for addressing complaints related to harassment and misconduct.
Officials said the government is committed to ensuring a fair investigation and maintaining a secure academic atmosphere across higher educational institutions in Jammu and Kashmir.
