Srinagar, July 3: Tension prevailed at the University of Kashmir's Mirza Bagh Residential Campus in Sadrabal on Friday after the University's Chief Proctor, Prof. Imtiyaz Ahmad, was allegedly threatened and an attempt was made to manhandle him by persons accused of encroaching on University land.
The incident occurred shortly after Vice-Chancellor Prof. Nilofer Khan visited the campus to review the alleged encroachment and directed officials to initiate demarcation of the University's land to prevent further illegal occupation.
According to University authorities, more than one kanal of land was allegedly encroached upon during the 8th, 9th and 10th days of Muharram. The Mirza Bagh Residential Campus, spread over more than 300 kanals, houses nearly 200 residential quarters for teaching and non-teaching staff.
Following the alleged encroachment, the University lodged a complaint with Police Station Nigeen on June 30, accusing unidentified persons of criminal trespass and damaging the fencing around the property. Police visited the site, assessed the situation and registered an FIR.
Officials said that after the Vice-Chancellor and accompanying security personnel left the campus on Friday, a group of locals allegedly entered the premises, threatened and abused University officials and attempted to manhandle Chief Proctor Prof. Imtiyaz Ahmad for opposing the alleged encroachment.
Confirming the incident, Prof. Ahmad said those accused of illegally occupying University land threatened him with serious consequences when he objected to their actions.
"They threatened me and attempted to manhandle me after I opposed the illegal occupation of University land. An FIR has already been registered and the matter is being pursued through legal channels," he said.
University authorities described the encroached land as public property and urged the administration to ensure its protection by taking strict legal action against those responsible.
Police said a case has already been registered in connection with the alleged trespass and damage to University property, and further investigation is underway.
