CT University’s Vice Chancellor terminated after protest by Kashmiri students over Ramadan facilities

February 24, 2026

Chandigarh: CT University has terminated the services of its Vice Chancellor, Dr. Nitin Tandon, following widespread protests by Kashmiri students on campus.

The unrest arose when Muslim students from Jammu and Kashmir alleged that they were not being provided with proper food during ‘Sehri’ and ‘Iftari’ during the current month of Ramadan.

Students alleged that despite repeated requests to the mess management, their dietary needs were ignored, leading to widespread resentment among fasting students.

Students allege mistreatment upon meeting VC

The situation escalated when a group of students approached the Vice Chancellor to resolve the issue. The students allege that the Vice Chancellor instead verbally abused them and threatened to expel them from the university.

In response, the students staged a sit-in at the university gate and raised slogans against the administration. Given the gravity of the situation, a heavy police force was deployed, and senior officials, including Upinderjit Kaur Brar and Ankur Gupta, arrived at the scene and mediated.

Shahi Imam and Chancellor Take Notice

Punjab’s Shahi Imam, Mohammad Usman, also participated in the talks and held three rounds of lengthy meetings with the university administration. Following these discussions, University Chancellor Charanjit Singh Channi announced the immediate dismissal of Dr. Nitin Tandon.

The Chancellor stated that a high-level committee headed by the SDM has been formed to thoroughly investigate the allegations of administrative failure and misconduct.

National Attention and Support for Kashmiri Students

The incident gained national attention when Iltija Mufti shared a video of the protest on social media and tagged Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann.

Mufti questioned whether the Punjab government supports the intimidation of Kashmiri students simply for demanding religious food rights. They also expressed surprise that such hostility was occurring in a state like Punjab and demanded strict action against the university administration.

Local police confirmed that the university has a significant number of Kashmiri Muslim students who are currently observing Ramadan. The administration initially attempted to pacify the students, but the lack of a timely solution led to a public protest.

Assurances to students and commitment to reform

With the dismissal of the Vice Chancellor, the university administration has assured students that their religious sentiments will be respected and that the quality of mess facilities will be strictly monitored from now on.