Examiner Bureau | Ganderbal:
Students of the Department of Chemistry at the Central University of Kashmir (CUK)’s Nunner campus staged a protest on Thursday over allegations of harassment of a female student by the Head of the Department, prompting the university administration to initiate steps for an internal inquiry.
The protesting students boycotted classes and laboratory sessions and raised slogans demanding the removal or stepping down of the HoD. The demonstration was held on the campus and drew the attention of senior university officials, who reached the spot as the protest continued.
The students alleged that grievances against the HoD had persisted for several months, including claims of verbal abuse during classes. They also alleged that a female student had been subjected to harassment.
A senior university official said the administration had received a formal complaint from the students and would constitute an internal inquiry committee to examine the allegations.
The official said the university takes complaints relating to student welfare, academic integrity and harassment seriously. Students may also approach the Internal Complaints Committee to raise such concerns, he added.
The official further said the Vice-Chancellor had directed that the HoD could be attached if found at fault. The formal inquiry, he said, would establish the facts, following which further action would be taken in accordance with law if the allegations were found to be established.
The university administration is expected to proceed with the inquiry to ascertain the facts and determine further action based on its findings.
