KU students, scholars stage peaceful protests

Srinagar, April 23: The University of Kashmir (KU) on Wednesday held a condolence meeting to express grief over the tragic killing of tourists in the deadly attack at Baisaran, Pahalgam on April 22. The students and scholars staged a peaceful protest against the Pahalgam killings.
Calling the attack a “cowardly and inhumane act,” Vice-Chancellor KU, Prof. Nilofer Khan, while chairing the condolence meeting, said such incidents have no place in a civilised society. “We condemn this brutal act in the strongest words. Our thoughts and prayers are with the bereaved families and we stand in complete solidarity with them in this hour of grief,” she said. Dean Academic Affairs KU, Prof. Shariefuddin Pirzada, expressed shock over the incident and said: “In our religion and culture, guests are treated with utmost respect and care. This attack is not only tragic but also deeply against our values.” Dean Research KU, Prof. Mohammad Sultan Bhat, also expressed anguish over the incident, stating that violence of any form disrupts the collective conscience of society while Dean, College Development Council KU Prof. Khurshid Butt, said that it is everyone’s collective responsibility to uphold peace and ensure that the values of compassion and hospitality prevail.
Registrar KU, Prof. Naseer Iqbal, said that the university strongly denounces such acts and emphasized the need to collectively condemn violence in all forms. The solemn gathering was attended by the university’s administrative officials, faculty members, scholars, students and staff who expressed deep sorrow over the incident and stood in solidarity with the victims and their families. The meeting concluded with a two-minute silence in memory of the victims, prayers for the departed souls and hopes for the speedy recovery of the injured.
Earlier in the day, students and scholars of the varsity also held a peaceful protest at Allama Iqbal Library KU to denounce the attack. Holding placards and observing silence, they called for an end to such inhumane acts. They were also joined by hostel boarders of the campus. Separate condolence meetings were also held across various satellite campuses of the varsity.