Kashmiri students at CT University in Ludhiana have alleged that they were denied food facilities during the holy month of Ramzan and faced threats of eviction and cancellation of admissions after requesting arrangements for sehri and iftar. The issue sparked late-night protests on campus and attracted political attention, eventually leading to the removal of Vice-Chancellor Nitin Tandon from his position.
According to the students, the dispute began when they approached university authorities seeking meal services aligned with fasting schedules during Ramzan. Despite being fee-paying hostel residents, they claimed that no provisions were made for pre-dawn or evening meals. In a video shared on social media, students alleged they were being treated unfairly, stating that even when they visited the mess, no food was available.
The students further alleged that their concerns were dismissed when they raised the issue with the Vice-Chancellor. Instead of addressing the matter, they claimed they were threatened and told to cancel their admissions and leave the institution. A video purportedly showing the Vice-Chancellor warning students circulated widely online, intensifying criticism and drawing public attention to the controversy.
They also claimed that authorities warned them of hostel eviction for demanding food at what officials described as “inappropriate timings” during Ramzan. The matter was subsequently taken up by the Jammu and Kashmir Students Association, whose national convenor Nasir Khuehami said the organisation received formal complaints and maintained that students were being penalised merely for seeking arrangements necessary to observe their religious practices. He emphasised that educational institutions should remain inclusive spaces that ensure dignity and equal treatment regardless of region or faith.
The issue soon gained political traction, with Peoples Democratic Party leader Iltija Mufti urging Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann to intervene and take strict action against the university administration. As tensions escalated, the Ludhiana district administration stepped in to mediate the situation. Deputy Commissioner Himanshu Jain said the dispute was resolved through dialogue and that a detailed inquiry had been ordered into the allegations.
Following the controversy, university Chancellor Charanjit Singh Channi confirmed that Vice-Chancellor Nitin Tandon had been removed from his post. The university has initiated an internal investigation, while a committee headed by the Jagraon Sub-Divisional Magistrate has been formed to examine the incident. Authorities stated that the situation would continue to be monitored to ensure a safe and inclusive environment on campus, with further action expected depending on the outcome of the inquiry.
