Kashmir University’s ‘Verbal Ban’ on Student Unions Sparks Fresh Debate

New Delhi: The University of Kashmir has defended the absence of student unions on campus, stating that its “transparent grievance redressal system” serves as an alternative. However, the university acknowledged that no official ban on student activism exists, raising fresh questions about the restriction.

The revelation came through a Right to Information (RTI) response, which revealed that the Jammu and Kashmir government has never formally prohibited student unions, associations, or campus politics.

The RTI was filed by National Convenor of the Jammu and Kashmir Students Association, Nasir Khuehami, seeking clarity on whether student unions were legally barred.

While institutions such as the University of Jammu, Central University of Kashmir, and Islamic University of Science and Technology confirmed that no such ban exists, the response from the University of Kashmir stood out.

Also Read: Indian Army Vehicle Attacked By Terrorists In Jammu & Kashmir's Rajouri

The university admitted that while no official order restricts student unions, such bodies were "verbally banned" in 2009 by then-Vice Chancellor Prof. Riyaz Punjabi.

However, the directive was never formally documented, casting doubts over its legitimacy and enforcement.

In its response, the university claimed that its grievance redressal system eliminates the need for student unions.

However, students strongly disagree, arguing that without elected representation, they remain vulnerable to administrative high-handedness. “Who decides if the grievance redressal system is transparent? Without student unions, there is no independent mechanism to hold the administration accountable,” said a student activist, requesting anonymity.

Student unions have historically played a significant role in academic and political discourse in Jammu and Kashmir. Until the late 1980s, these unions were actively engaged in raising issues related to education, governance, and youth concerns. However, with the rise of insurgency in the 1990s, organized student politics saw a sharp decline, with authorities citing security concerns.

Despite restrictions, informal activism has persisted. Over the years, students have mobilized against fee hikes, examination delays, and inadequate hostel facilities. Unlike institutions such as Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) and Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), where student unions function alongside structured administrative systems, Kashmir University has relied on "informal controls" to prevent student representation.

Also Read: Earthquake Hits Jammu and Kashmir's Kupwara Region, No Damage Reported

Students have made several attempts to revive organized representation. Insiders recall that in 2009, student activists staged protests demanding the reinstatement of student unions. These demonstrations were met with strict administrative action, including suspensions and warnings against political activities.

During the 2016 unrest in the Valley, protests over academic and hostel issues escalated into larger demonstrations, prompting the administration to tighten restrictions further.

In August 2017, undergraduate students staged protests against the university for delays in conducting examinations. Similarly, in March 2018, students from various colleges demonstrated against the administration, demanding a syllabus reduction and immediate backlog exams.

“On banning the student union in 2009, then-Chief Proctor Mohammad Afzal Zargar had stated that no politics would be allowed on campus and that an apolitical students’ welfare forum would be established. However, that never materialized, leaving students without a representative body," said Tanveer Malik (name changed), a former Kashmir University student.

Kashmir University Students Union (KUSU), formed in 2006, was the last formally organized student body that allowed students to deliberate on academic and administrative issues. However, with its ban in 2009, student activism was effectively curtailed.

With the RTI revealing that no formal prohibition exists, student activists are renewing calls for the reinstatement of unions.

Khuehami criticized the university’s response, stating, “Who accredited Kashmir University’s grievance cell as transparent? Can transparency exist without student representation? Every major institution in India has both—so why is Kashmir an exception?”.

While the university maintains that its existing mechanisms are sufficient, the debate over student unions at Kashmir University is far from over.