CT University Vice-Chancellor Steps Down Amid Kashmiri Students' Ramadan Food Protest
In a significant development at Ludhiana-based CT University, Vice-Chancellor Nitin Tandon resigned on Tuesday following intense protests from Kashmiri students. The students had raised serious allegations regarding inadequate food provisions for Iftar and Sehri during the holy month of Ramadan, sparking a campus-wide controversy that culminated in the V-C's departure.
Students Allege Food Shortages and Administrative Threats
According to protesting students, they had been facing persistent issues with food arrangements for Iftar this year, despite receiving appropriate provisions in previous Ramadan seasons. One student protester detailed their struggles, stating, "For the past five days, we have been consistently requesting the authorities to arrange proper food for us, but our pleas went unanswered. On Monday evening, we again did not receive adequate food for Iftar. In frustration, we locked the hostel mess as a form of protest."
The situation escalated when Vice-Chancellor Nitin Tandon arrived at the scene. Students claim that when they attempted to share their concerns with him, he responded with abusive language and threatened to have them removed from the campus. This alleged confrontation triggered sustained protests that continued through Tuesday morning.
Administrative Response and Investigation
CT University Chancellor Charanjit Singh Channi confirmed that Tandon was asked to resign specifically for using abusive language against the students. "The students had to open their fast and required specific food items that couldn't be provided in time. When they locked the mess in anger, the vice-chancellor went to address them. During their discussion, he used an abusive word, which was completely unacceptable," Channi explained.
Ludhiana Deputy Commissioner Himanshu Jain announced that the administration has ordered a thorough probe into the incident. "After the vice-chancellor's resignation, the students have been pacified. The Jagraon SDM has been directed to submit a detailed enquiry report on the entire matter," Jain stated, emphasizing the seriousness with which authorities are treating the situation.
University's Food Arrangements and Leadership Changes
CT University Dean of Student Welfare Davinder Singh provided clarification regarding the food arrangements, noting, "The authorities are already providing food to Muslim students for Iftar. The students were requesting additional items such as dates and fruits, which the university has now committed to arranging." He confirmed that Tandon submitted his resignation in response to student demands.
Following the resignation, Pro Vice-Chancellor Simran Gill has temporarily assumed the vice-chancellor's duties. The private university, located approximately 35 kilometers from Ludhiana, now faces scrutiny over its handling of religious accommodations and student welfare.
Social Media Amplification and Political Reactions
The controversy gained significant traction on social media platforms, where a purported video clip showing Tandon allegedly misbehaving with students circulated widely. The video's reach extended beyond Punjab, drawing reactions from Kashmir-based student leaders and politicians.
People's Democratic Party leader Iltija Mufti directly addressed Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on social media, questioning, "Do you endorse the vice-chancellor of CT University Punjab abusing and bullying Kashmiri Muslim students only because they requested food for Iftari and Sehri since it's Ramzan?" She expressed shock that such behavior could occur in Punjab and called for strict action against Tandon.
Community Intervention and Resolution
Maulana Mohammad Usman Rahmani visited the university on Tuesday morning along with Ludhiana police and administrative officials. He described the situation, saying, "The students were simply requesting Iftar food, but proper arrangements weren't made. When they locked the mess in protest, the vice-chancellor used abusive language. Though I tried to mediate, students insisted on his resignation."
Rahmani confirmed that with Chancellor Channi's intervention, Tandon submitted his resignation, and the matter has been resolved with the university's assurance to arrange appropriate food for Muslim students observing Roza.
When questioned about the possibility of Tandon's reinstatement, Chancellor Channi responded cautiously, "Police and district administration are conducting their enquiries. The circulated video is only a few seconds long and not continuous, so we don't have complete context. The authorities will investigate thoroughly before any further decisions."
Attempts by media outlets to contact former Vice-Chancellor Nitin Tandon for his perspective on the events proved unsuccessful, as calls and messages went unanswered.
