Girl expelled from Gurugram varsity over Pulwama post

Sumedha Sharma
Tribune News Service
Gurugram, February 19

Shree Guru Gobind Singh Tricentenary University (SGT) University on Tuesday rusticated a Kashmiri girl for allegedly justifying the Pulwama militant attack on social media.

She was a second-year student of the Bachelors of Radiology and Imaging Technology.

High drama prevailed when more than 500 students gathered at the administrative building on the campus, voicing anger against the girl’s Instagram posts and WhatsApp status about the Pulwama attack, which claimed the lives of 44 CRPF personnel.

The students alleged that she, along with a few other Kashmiri students, was propagating “anti-national” sentiments. Some students came in support of the girl, demanding freedom of speech.

Sensing that the situation was turning volatile, the university authorities called the police and “hurriedly” constituted a disciplinary committee and rusticated the student. She was then taken to a police station.

“The girl told some students that she did not realise her social media post would cause a storm. Such irresponsible behaviour in such sensitive times is unacceptable,” said Rajneesh Yadav, PRO of the university.

Sources said an inquiry had been launched against the “supporters” of the girl and they were being threatened with suspension.

Police spokesperson Subhash Bokan claimed no action was initiated against the girl as the university did not file a complaint.

‘She is in trauma’ 
The Kashmiri girl did not respond to calls. One of her ‘supporters’ told the media on condition of anonymity, “She is in a state of trauma. We are being threatened since Monday. We have not got a chance to present our case. She was rusticated to appease local students.” About 40 Kashmiri students are enrolled in the university. All claim to be living under threat after Tuesday’s protest on the campus.

Fifth student to be shunted out  
The Kashmiri girl of SGT University is the fifth student from Kashmir to be either suspended or rusticated after the Pulwama attack. Earlier, the National Institute of Medical Sciences, Rajasthan, had suspended four Kashmiri girls for an ‘anti-national’ post on WhatsApp. Besides, the Alpine College of Management and Technology, Dehradun, has suspended a Dean from Kashmir following protests by right-wing elements.