On Tuesday, students at the Central University of Kashmir held a protest against recent fee hikes and basic facility deficiencies.

The protests were ignited primarily by the university’s decision to increase fees of various courses abruptly.

Adding to the students’ frustration is the inconsistent fee structure, where disparities in fee amounts for the same courses have bred confusion and a palpable sense of inequality.

Beyond the financial burden imposed by the fee hike, students have voiced profound discontent over the university’s inadequate provision of essential campus facilities.

In a statement issued by the student protesters, they said, “The primary catalyst for the protest is the substantial increase in fees for various courses. Compounding the issue, students enrolled in the same courses report paying different amounts, leading to confusion and a sense of inequality.”

It added that the university’s hostel facilities are inadequate, with many students unable to secure accommodation. “There is a consistent problem with the availability of clean drinking water on campus, posing a serious health risk,” the statement read.

The protesters also claim that the washroom facilities are reportedly in poor condition, lacking proper sanitation and maintenance.

“The university library is understocked and lacks the necessary resources for students to conduct their studies effectively,” it added.

In a bid to address these grievances, students have repeatedly appealed to university authorities for remedial action. “Despite these efforts, there has been no significant response or intervention from the authorities,” the students said.

As per the statement, the students sent a letter to the Vice Chancellor to come and address their concerns directly, but he has yet to meet with the protesting students, further fueling disillusionment and discontent.

Speaking on behalf of the protesters, one organiser expressed deep-seated frustration, remarking, “We have been vocal about these issues for an extended period, yet our pleas have been met with silence. The fee hike is merely the tipping point.”

They added: “What we demand are the basic rights that every student is entitled to: decent living conditions, access to clean water, and adequate educational resources.”

Another student, Safna from the journalism department of the university told Maktoob, “The university is not providing any basic facilities. We are paying more than any other university in Kashmir. The others are paying half of what we pay. Our university suddenly increased the fees this time”

She added that the students wanted to talk to the authorities but nothing positive happened. “We wanted to speak to the VC. The other students went to speak with the dean, Farooq Ahmed Meer who then slapped a student from the law department.”

When asked about his misconduct he said, “He is my son, and I can beat him.”

However, Arshad Me’raj, PRO of the university, said that the slap incident hasn’t come to their notice. “The students were protesting for the fee hike and for that, they have already met with the VC,” he said. “Tomorrow is the meeting regarding it.”

Me’raj added that they have not received any information regarding the lack of the basic facilities issue.

As tensions continue to simmer on campus, the university administration faces mounting pressure to heed the students’ demands.