Allegations of Harassment Against Kashmiri Students at Kurnool Nursing College, Principal Responds

The issue involving Kashmiri students studying at the Government Nursing College in Kurnool has sparked statewide discussion. The students have alleged that the college management is harassing them and, particularly during the holy month of Ramadan , failing to provide even basic food facilities.

The Jammu and Kashmir Students Association (JKSA) wrote a letter to Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu and Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan , alleging discrimination and claiming that religious restrictions are being imposed. In the letter, the association stated that students are being treated unfairly and subjected to discrimination.

The association specifically alleged that students observing the Ramadan fast are not being provided proper meals during suhoor (pre-dawn meal) and iftar (evening meal) . It further claimed that food ordered from outside after 10 p.m. is being stopped at the college gate, leaving students hungry. Additionally, the complaint alleged that some staff members reportedly used derogatory language by calling them “ terrorists ” and raised objections to wearing the hijab .

In response to the serious allegations, College Principal Shanti Bhavani clarified that there is no discrimination in the institution and that all students are treated equally. She stated that for students observing Ramadan, the mess is kept open from 3 a.m. , and arrangements have been made in consultation with the mess contractor to prepare food according to their preferences. She emphasized that the institution’s focus is on students’ education and dismissed reports of harassment as false.

Explaining the restrictions on night-time food delivery, the principal said that outside individuals are not permitted after 9 p.m. considering the safety of the girls’ hostel. She added that if students consume outside food during late-night hours and fall ill, the responsibility would fall on the management; therefore, certain rules have been implemented.

The JKSA has urged the state government to conduct an independent and time-bound inquiry into the matter and to protect the fundamental rights, religious freedom, and dignity of the students. It requested government intervention to ascertain the facts and take necessary action. It remains to be seen how the government will respond to the incident.