Kashmiri Students Allegedly Forced to Shave Beards at GMC Chengalpattu, State Intervenes

New Delhi: Alleging that the Kashmiri medical students enrolled at the College of Nursing, Chengalpattu Government Medical College and Hospital are being forced to shave their beards to gain entry into the college premises, the Jammu and Kashmir Students Association recently wrote to the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin.

Eventually, the matter was resolved after the State Government intervened in the matter and took necessary action. Thanking the Tamil Nadu Government, Health Minister, Adl CS Gagandeep Bedi and Opposition Leader K. Anamali for their help and assistance in resolving the issue, the association mentioned in an X (formerly Twitter) post, "The Tamil Nadu government informed us that, such incidents are not only shocking but deeply concerning. Adl Chief Secretary of the Tamil Nadu state said that, Our constitution enshrines the principles of equality, freedom, and dignity for all individuals, irrespective of their religious or regional backgrounds."

"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, Adl CS informed," the post further mentioned.

Earlier on Tuesday, raising the issue, the association had demanded urgent intervention of the Chief Minister Stalin to protect the fundamental rights of Kashmiri students at Changalpattu Govt Medical College & Hospital.

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"We are writing to you with grave conceal regarding a recent incident that has come to light at the College of Nursing, Chengalpattu Govt Medical College & Hospital in Chengalpattu, Tamil Nadu. It has been reported that approximately two dozen Kashmiri students currently enrolled in the college are being compelled to shave their beards before they can gain entry into the college premises. This action not only violates the fundamental rights of these students but also raises serious questions about the inclusivity and respect for diversity in our society," the association had mentioned in the letter directed to the Chief Minister.

"The right to personal appearance, including the choice to grow a beard, is a fundamental aspect of an individual's freedom and identity. No student should be subjected to such discrimination or forced to compromise their beliefs and practices to access education. Such actions not only infringe upon the rights of these students but also create an atmosphere of fear and exclusion, which is detrimental to the spirit of education and democracy," it had further mentioned.

The association had urged CM Stalin to intervene immediately and take necessary measures to address the "egregious violation of fundamental rights". Further it had demanded appropriate action against those responsible for enforcing such discriminatory practices and to provide assurance to the affected students that they can pursue their education without any fear of discrimination or harassment.

"It is essential that students from all backgrounds feel welcome and valued in our educational institutions, and that their rights and freedoms are safeguarded at all times. I urge you to prioritize the protection of fundamental rights and take swift and decisive action to address this matter. Your intervention is crucial in upholding the principles of justice, equality, and inclusivity in our society," the letter directed to the Chief Minister mentioned.

"Furthermore, we encourage the government of Tamil Nadu to proactively promote an environment of inclusivity and tolerance within educational institutions and society at large. Initiatives aimed at fostering mutual respect, understanding, and appreciation of diversity will not only enrich our social fabric but also contribute to the advancement of our nation as a whole," stated the letter.

Yesterday, the affected students wrote to the association and informed that the matter has been resolved. The students expressed their gratitude to the association for its intervention, adding "Your relentless efforts in bringing this grave violation of our fundamental rights to the attention of government and opposition leaders in Tamil Nadu have been instrumental in ensuring that our concerns were addressed promptly and with priority."

Sharing the news, the association mentioned in an X post, "The issue of Kashmiri students being forced to shave their beards in Tamil Nadu College has been resolved after intervention. We thank Tamil Nadu Govt, Health Minister, Adl CS Gagandeep Bedi Ji, & Opposition Leader K. Anamali for their help & assistance in resolving this matter. J&K Students Association expresses appreciation to everyone for setting aside differences & prioritizing the rights of Kashmiri students at Chengalpattu Government Medical College & Hospital Tamil Nadu."

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