K’taka CM Office Assured of Non-interference in Religious, Cultural Matters, Says J&KSA Over Beard Row

Srinagar: Days after three dozen Kashmiri students studying at the Government College of Nursing in Holenarasipur, affiliated with the Hassan Institute of Medical Sciences, alleged of being compelled to shave off their beards, the Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s office clarified on Sunday that the issue has been resolved.

The Karnataka Chief Minister’s Office has assured the J&K Students Association that “no Kashmiri student will be forced to shave off their beard and that their cultural and religious practices will be respected.”

This assurance follows an incident where approximately three dozen Kashmiri students at the Government College of Nursing in Holenarasipur were reportedly compelled to shave their beards.

Nasir Khuehami, National Convenor of the Jammu and Kashmir Students Association, in a statement issued to Alfaaz – The Words, confirmed that the office of Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah clarified on Sunday that the matter has been resolved.

Khuehami said that the Karnataka Chief Minister’s Office responded promptly to the concerns raised by the J&K Students Association regarding the forced shaving of Kashmiri students’ beards.

“Following this intervention, the issue was promptly addressed.”

The Chief Minister’s Office, along with the Principal Secretary for Medical Education, Mohammad Mohsin, IAS, assured that strict action would be taken against the officials involved.

“A show-cause notice has been issued to the Dean and Director of the Hassan Institute of Medical Sciences, and the Principal has received a formal warning. Medical education authorities have also directed that any future issues of this nature be dealt with immediately,” reads a statement by J&KSA.

“Kashmiri students provided written statements indicating that the matter has been resolved amicably.”

“The government also sent a notice to the Director and Principal of the college, seeking a report on the incident”, reads the statement.

The Jammu and Kashmir Students Association has in the meantime expressed gratitude to Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and the Principal Secretary for Medical Education for their prompt intervention. “The Chief Minister’s Office emphasized the need for medical colleges to exercise caution when issuing instructions to avoid misunderstandings.”

“Medical colleges have been instructed to be cautious when issuing such instructions to prevent misunderstandings. The right to personal appearance, including the choice to grow a beard, is a fundamental aspect of an individual’s freedom and identity. The college administration has apologized for this infringement,” the statement reads.

Meanwhile, J&K Students Association National Convenor Nasir Khuehami thanked the Chief Minister for his assistance in resolving the matter. “This timely intervention reassures students across the country of their right to uphold personal beliefs and cultural identity free from discrimination. We commend the Karnataka Government for its commitment to justice, equality, and inclusivity, setting a positive precedent for educational institutions nationwide,” stated Khuehami.