J&K Students Association decries AMU's hostel eviction directive for PhD scholars

SRINAGAR — The Jammu and Kashmir Students Association expressed profound disappointment and concern on Friday regarding a recent directive from Aligarh Muslim University (AMU). The directive mandates PhD scholars who have completed five years of residency to vacate their hostel rooms, causing distress among scholars in the crucial stages of their research.

Zubair Reshi, Additional Spokesperson of the Association and a PhD scholar at AMU, voiced the concerns of the affected scholars. "Such a harsh directive has never been seen in the history of AMU," Reshi stated.

He pointed out that scholars have already lost approximately two years of research time due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which has taken a considerable mental toll. Reshi called for empathy and understanding from the administration towards the extended timelines that scholars now face.

AMU Vice-Chancellor Prof. Naima Khatoon had instructed the vacating of various hostels during summer vacations. Over the past week, she has been inspecting hostels, while the Registrar and Proctor have sealed dozens of rooms in many halls, including SS North Hall. Scholars have urged that they be allowed to stay in the hostels until they submit their PhD theses.

Reshi emphasized the critical timing, as many scholars are now due for their oral examinations. He demanded that the hostel should not be vacated until these examinations were completed, noting that the decision would cause considerable inconvenience, particularly to female scholars.

Female students have reported relentless pressure from hall authorities to vacate their rooms, which is disrupting their academic work and deteriorating their mental health. Forcing female students out of the secure environment of university hostels without a clear plan for their accommodation and safety is both irresponsible and alarming, Reshi asserted.

The Association accused the university administration of failing to manage illegal accommodations, leading to this situation. Reshi added that vacating the hostels amid 50-degree temperatures poses severe hardships. "The administration is deliberately troubling the students," he said. "Where should students go after leaving the hostel?"

The Association also raised concerns about the safety and security of 1,500 J&K students, who are vulnerable and often face unique challenges. The directive to vacate hostels immediately, without any provision for alternative accommodations, has created an environment of anxiety and insecurity.

The Association urged the administration to consider these specific vulnerabilities and act in a manner that ensures the safety and well-being of all scholars.

This post first appeared on The Kashmir Pulse