MUZAFFARABAD (Kashmir English): Student organizations have called for a protest across Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) following the arrest of several students during today’s protest in Muzaffarabad.
University of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (UAJK) students staged a demonstration against university administration over fee-related issues. However, the protest turned violent after police intervened with baton charges and fired tear gas to disperse the students. The students also pelted stones at the police.
As the police dispersed Law Department students from the university’s main gate, which they blocked in protest, the students started gathering again at Azadi Chowk. A large number of police personnel were deployed on protest site, and action from the police led to the arrest of various students.
Earlier, during a clash at the university gate, several students were injured, while university staff and female students were trapped in the building.
Students maintained that the university administration called the police and tortured us, which is not tolerable in any way. The protests erupted two days ago when students were picked up during their exams on the issue of fees.
In response, the UAJK administration said that the exams at the university began at 10 am today in a peaceful atmosphere. However, a few students protested, insisting on appearing in the exam despite non-payment of fees, and closed the main gate of the city campus. To ensure a peaceful examination environment, the police were called on the request of the Campus Incharge and Chairman of the Law Department, the press release said.
The university administration along with Sub-Divisional Magistrate Muzaffarabad Syed Ghulam Mohiuddin Gilani and DSP Police City Pervaiz Hameed reached the spot and held talks with the protesting students, as a result of which the matters were almost settled.
“It was decided that the three children who did not pay the fees should be given a week’s respite and the children who walked out of today’s exam should also take the exam next week,” the district administration spokesperson said.
However, some miscreants suddenly showed provocation and attacked the police and the Assistant Commissioner and closed the door, the UAJK said, adding that the police took limited action inside the city campus in view of the sensitivity of the occasion and to restore law and order.
Tear gas and shells were used on a limited scale to disperse them, and the students were safely taken out by opening the gate, and normal academic activities were resumed, the authorities maintained.
