Srinagar: The Jammu and Kashmir Students’ Association (JKSA) has strongly condemned the alleged assault, intimidation and harassment of students of the J&K Girls’ Hostel at Jamia Millia Islamia during their ongoing protest over serious concerns regarding the quality, hygiene and sanitation of food being served in the hostel mess.
JKSA national spokesperson Dr. Zubair Reshi said that the students had reportedly been raising concerns about the quality of food for a considerable period, including allegations that insects, pieces of glass and other foreign materials had been found in the food. According to the students, repeated complaints regarding the mess had failed to result in any meaningful corrective action.
Dr. Reshi said the students had also alleged that the same mess contractor had continued to operate the hostel mess for several years despite repeated complaints. The students have pointed out that similar concerns were raised during a protest by J&K Hostel residents in 2023, yet the contractor was allegedly not removed.
In view of these repeated complaints, the students have demanded immediate cancellation of the existing mess contract and a comprehensive review of the university’s mess-management system.
According to accounts emerging from the protest, the students’ concerns were allegedly met with threats and intimidation instead of an effective response from the concerned authorities. The students have alleged that they and, in some instances, their parents were warned of consequences, including possible eviction from the hostel, when they raised concerns with the hostel administration.
The students subsequently staged a sit-in protest at the Centenary Gate, demanding immediate action on their grievances.
A team comprising the Dean of Students’ Welfare (DSW), the Provost and the Deputy Proctor reportedly met with the protesting students, following which an agreement was reached covering four key demands: cancellation or replacement of the existing mess contractor; replacement of male mess staff with female staff; accountability regarding the conduct of the concerned hostel administration; and an assurance that no disciplinary action would be taken against students for participating in the peaceful protest.
However, the students have alleged that the assurances given by the administration were not honoured. They claim that instead of replacing the contractor, the same contractor was brought back under a different name.
They have also alleged that male mess workers were replaced by other male workers rather than female staff being appointed, contrary to their demand. The students further allege that they were subjected to intimidation again when they sought clarification from the administration.
The students have also alleged that, despite the understanding reached with the administration, breakfast and lunch were not provided to them on the following day. They further claim that when students were subsequently called to meet the Provost regarding the food-related issues, they faced further intimidation rather than receiving a satisfactory resolution to their grievances.
JKSA has urged the Vice-Chancellor of Jamia Millia Islamia to intervene immediately and take cognizance of the allegations. The association has demanded a fair, impartial and transparent inquiry into the alleged assault, intimidation and harassment of the protesting students and called for their safety and protection throughout the process.
“Students cannot be threatened, intimidated or subjected to any form of harassment for demanding safe, hygienic and quality food in their hostel. If the allegations raised by the students are found to be true, the administration’s response is deeply unacceptable. The responsibility of a university administration is to listen to students, address their grievances and ensure accountability, and not to suppress legitimate concerns through intimidation,” Dr Reshi said.
He demanded the immediate suspension of Assistant Proctor Maqsood Ahmad Malik pending a fair and impartial inquiry into the allegations of assault and intimidation. He also called for an independent inquiry into the conduct of all officials against whom allegations have been raised, with appropriate disciplinary action against anyone found responsible.
JKSA has further demanded immediate cancellation and comprehensive review of the existing hostel mess contract in view of the repeated allegations concerning the quality and safety of food. The association called for a transparent system for appointing and monitoring mess contractors, regular food-quality and hygiene inspections, and an effective grievance-redressal mechanism through which students can raise concerns without fear of retaliation.
The association also supported the students’ demand for the appointment of female staff in the girls’ hostel mess, stating that the concerns raised by the residents regarding mess management, privacy, accountability and responsiveness must be taken seriously by the university administration.
JKSA has also demanded a clear assurance that no disciplinary or retaliatory action will be taken against students merely for participating in a peaceful protest or raising genuine grievances.
The association said that allegations of insects, pieces of glass and other foreign materials being found in food served to students are extremely serious and warrant an immediate and independent investigation.
“Instead of changing the name of a contractor or making cosmetic changes while retaining the same system, the university must address the root of the problem. Accountability must be genuine, mess contracts must be subject to proper scrutiny, and students’ complaints must be investigated rather than ignored. Most importantly, no student should be punished, threatened or intimidated for peacefully demanding safe food and basic dignity,” Dr. Zubair Reshi stated.
JKSA reiterated that students must be able to raise legitimate concerns regarding their health, safety and living conditions without fear of intimidation or retaliation. The association called upon the Jamia Millia Islamia administration to resolve the matter through meaningful dialogue, accountability and due process, while ensuring that the grievances of the protesting students are addressed promptly and transparently.
