Kashmiri students in Hassan allege college enforced beard trimming

www.mangaloretoday.com

Hassan, Nov 10, 2024: The Jammu and Kashmir Students Association (JKSA) has sought intervention from Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah after Kashmiri students at a nursing college in Hassan district alleged they were forced to trim their beards to attend classes, citing cultural and religious discrimination.

In a letter to the Chief Minister, the JKSA stated that over two dozen Kashmiri students were facing "undue restrictions" related to personal appearance, particularly regarding beards, which they maintain for cultural and religious reasons. The students claimed they were instructed to either trim their beards to a "01" trimmer length or be clean-shaven for college activities, including clinical duties. Those who refused reported being marked absent, impacting their attendance and academic records.

The association’s letter described the directive as an infringement on the students’ cultural and religious rights. "The college administration has reportedly been compelling Kashmiri students to either trim their beards or remain clean-shaven to enter the premises and participate in clinical duties. Students with beards are being marked absent, negatively affecting their academic standing," read the letter to Siddaramaiah.