The indefinite hunger strike by faculty members of Baba Ghulam Shah Badshah University (BGSBU) in Rajouri entered its third consecutive day on Tuesday.
The protests intensified against the suspension of Dr. Parvez Abdullah, Assistant Professor in the Department of Management Studies and president of the university’s Teachers Association.
Former Jammu Kashmir Chief Minister and PDP President Mehbooba Mufti expressed concern over the ongoing deadlock, urging the university administration to publicly clarify the reasons behind Dr. Abdullah’s suspension.
In a post on X, Mehbooba wrote, “The suspension of Dr. Parvez Abdullah has escalated into a major issue with both teaching and non-teaching staff going on an indefinite strike in his support. This is significantly impacting the academic environment and the overall educational system at the university.”
She further noted that “many conspiracy theories are making rounds which threaten the very existence of this precious university,” and stressed that transparency and accountability are crucial to understand the decision. Mehbooba also tagged J-K Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah in her post.
The faculty members began their protest after Dr. Abdullah was suspended on February 21 without being served a mandatory show-cause notice.
He was subsequently attached to Kishtwar Nursing College.
Dr. Abdullah, who has been vocal about alleged corruption and deteriorating governance at the university, had led several meetings with the Chancellor on these issues. His colleagues allege that his suspension is an act of retaliation for exposing irregularities within the institution.
Interestingly, just a month prior to his suspension, the university had officially declared that no vigilance or disciplinary inquiry was pending against him.
Meanwhile, BGSBU Vice Chancellor Prof. Jawaid Iqbal defended the suspension, stating that due process was followed and the action was based on multiple complaints filed against Dr. Abdullah back in 2021.
With no resolution in sight, the hunger strike continues to disrupt normal functioning at the university, raising concerns over the academic future of its students.
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