Nursing students in Kurnool accuse the college administration of denying basic arrangements for fasting and attempting to restrict hijab
NEW DELHI – Kashmiri Muslim students at the Government College of Nursing in Kurnool district, Andhra Pradesh, have alleged religious discrimination during the holy month of Ramadan, claiming that college authorities refused to make basic arrangements for sehri (pre-dawn) and iftar (breaking of fast) and attempted to restrict the wearing of hijab.
The allegations have sparked concern after the Jammu and Kashmir Students Association issued a statement seeking immediate intervention from the Andhra Pradesh government.
According to the students, who are pursuing BSc Nursing under the Prime Minister’s Special Scholarship Scheme, the college administration declined requests to facilitate basic arrangements related to fasting during Ramadan.
The students allege that they sought adjustments for sehri and iftar meals, but their requests were rejected.
“We only asked for minimal arrangements during Ramadan so we could observe our fast properly,” one student reportedly said. “Instead, we were told that if religion was so important to us, we should not have chosen this college.”
They further claim that some students were prevented from bringing food from outside for sehri and iftar and were advised that they should have enrolled elsewhere if they intended to prioritise religious practices.
The students also allege that attempts were made to discourage or restrict them from wearing the hijab on campus. According to their complaint, they were asked to remove the headscarf and refrain from visibly practising religious customs.
One student said, “We were told to remove our hijab and avoid religious observances. We believe this violates our fundamental rights.”
The students have described the alleged actions as discriminatory and unjust.
In its statement, the Jammu and Kashmir Students Association said that the students had reported “organised discrimination, humiliation and harassment”.
According to the association, some of the Kashmiri students were allegedly subjected to derogatory remarks and, in certain instances, were called “terrorists” because of their regional identity.
The association stated, “The students are under immense psychological stress. The environment of fear and intimidation is affecting their academic performance and mental well-being.”
It has written to Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu seeking urgent intervention and protection for the students.
The complaint further alleges that when students raised concerns about the treatment they were facing, they were threatened with suspension.
“They were warned that if they continued to protest or speak out, disciplinary action could be taken,” the association said.
The students maintain that they regularly pay their fees and fulfil academic requirements, and that questioning their presence at the institution based on their faith is discriminatory.
As of the time of publication, no official response had been issued by the Government College of Nursing in Kurnool regarding the allegations.
The controversy follows a similar dispute at a private university in Punjab, where Kashmiri Muslim students alleged mistreatment over arrangements for Ramadan.
According to media reports, students there had requested timely arrangements for sehri and iftar during the fasting month. The situation escalated after an altercation in the hostel mess, during which students claimed they were threatened with eviction.
A video that circulated on social media reportedly showed a university official warning students, leading to protests on campus. Following the controversy, the university’s vice-chancellor resigned, and an inquiry was initiated.
Education experts note that institutions hosting students from diverse cultural and religious backgrounds often face challenges in balancing uniform administrative policies with accommodation of religious practices.
Civil rights advocates have urged authorities to conduct a fair inquiry into the allegations in Kurnool and ensure that students’ constitutional rights are respected while maintaining institutional discipline.
With Ramadan continuing, student groups have called for immediate dialogue between the administration and affected students to de-escalate tensions.
The situation remains under watch, and further developments are expected once the college administration issues an official statement or the state government responds to the association’s appeal.
