Chandigarh, February 25 – The Vice-Chancellor of CT University in Jagraon, Punjab, has been removed from his position following allegations of misconduct and threats against Kashmiri Muslim students who had requested special meal arrangements during Ramadan.
Ludhiana Deputy Commissioner Himanshu Jain stated that the district administration, in coordination with the police and community leaders, intervened to de-escalate the situation, and the protest was called off after authorities ordered an investigation and the university management removed Vice-Chancellor Nitin Tandon.
The controversy arose after 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 threatened with eviction from hostels and cancellation of admissions.
The incident raised concerns among families and the community sought clarification from the university administration. Iltija Mufti, daughter of former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti, had brought the issue to the attention of Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann through her social media account.
She had demanded action against the university authorities. Deputy Commissioner Jain told the media that the local administration, in coordination with Shahi Imam Maulana Mohammad Usman Rahmani Ludhianvi, "amicably resolved" the issue.
He thanked the university management for maintaining peace and "resolving the issue amicably through dialogue".
CT University Chancellor Charanjit Singh Channi stated on Tuesday that the university has also initiated an internal investigation into the matter while the situation is being monitored by local authorities.
"The Vice-Chancellor was asked to resign, and he has done so. The rest is a matter of investigation. There was a heated argument between the students and the Vice-Chancellor regarding food, following which the students locked the mess. The students have ended the protest after his resignation," the Chancellor was quoted as saying.
