Obtaining data of Muslim students ahead of PM’s visit draws criticism

A move by Kurukshetra University (KU) authorities to gather details of Muslim students residing on campus ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit on November 25 has triggered criticism from student groups and sections of the academic community.

According to information, the university’s Chief Security Officer (CSO) sought updated residential and academic details of all Muslim students — including roll numbers, class, hostel and room numbers, contact information and permanent addresses. In a message sent to department heads, the CSO wrote: “This is to inform that the Prime Minister is scheduled to visit Kurukshetra on November 25. In view of this event, the police department has requested necessary Muslim student-related information for maintaining security and operational coordination of the campus.”

The Prime Minister is scheduled to visit the Jyotisar Anubhav Kendra, attend an event marking the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur, and later perform ‘Maha Aarti’ at Brahma Sarovar.

KU CSO Dr Anand Kumar said the information request came from the police. “In view of the Prime Minister’s visit, a request was received from the police department seeking information regarding the Muslim students in the university,” he said.

He cited a recent security-related incident on campus involving coded notes. “The event was announced nearly a month ago, and nearly 15 days back, there was an incident in which notes in a coded form was found written on the university campus… The student was identified after scanning the video footages, the student was counselled and the note was covered. Since it was security matter related to Prime Minister’s visit, every incident is reported as no one wants to take chances,” he said.

Dr Kumar added that details of nearly 170 students had been shared with the police.

Director, Public Relations, Maha Singh Poonia defended the move, saying: “After the recent incidents in the country, precautionary measures are being taken by the police. It was a matter related to PM’s security and the directions received from the police and administration are being followed.”

However, some faculty members expressed discomfort. A senior professor, requesting anonymity, said this was the first time students of a particular community were singled out. “Though it is a matter of PM’s security, such thing should have been avoided,” the professor noted.

The Students Federation of India (SFI) condemned the action. SFI state president Akshay Mahla said: “In the name of security arrangements for the Prime Minister's visit, obtaining personal information of Muslim students only can’t be justified… This move is clearly a conspiracy to target a particular community and create an atmosphere of insecurity and fear among them… Such actions are a direct attack on the democratic and secular character of universities.”

SFI state secretary Sukhdev Bura said: “This action is not only unconstitutional but also a blatant violation of fundamental rights. Identifying students of a particular religion in the name of security is blatant communal discrimination. We will not accept this under any circumstances.”

Dr Vikas Siwach, president of the Haryana Federation of University and College Teachers Organisation, also criticised the university’s approach. “We understand there are security issues and precautions must be taken but they shouldn’t have singled out the students of only one community. They are also a part of this country,” he said.

Kurukshetra SP Nitish Agarwal could not be reached for comment despite repeated attempts.