Srinagar, Nov 10: A day after over 30 Kashmiri students studying at the Government College of Nursing in Holenarasipur, affiliated with the Hassan Institute of Medical Sciences were compelled to shave 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 (JKSA) that no Kashmiri student will be forced to shave their beard, and that their cultural and religious practices will be respected, JKSA said in a handout.
It said that the CM’s office and the Principal Secretary for Medical Education Mohammad Mohsin also assured a strict action 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, read the handout.
JKSA said, 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, the handout read.
“Medical colleges have been instructed to be cautious when issuing such instructions to prevent misunderstandings and instructions and orders. 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,” said the CM’s office.
