SRINAGAR: SKUAST-K Scientists under the banner of SSTA have been observing a symbolic and peaceful protest following a calendar issued by SSTA to press for the various demands being denied and delayed by the administration on different pretexts violating the university norms.
The SSTA has been raising the demands with administration since the last one year and after failing to convince the administration were forced to peacefully and symbolically protest without affecting the routine work in the university that is well in the knowledge of the University authorities.
Today when the scientists are on the third day of symbolic protest (wearing blackbands on Arms), the Joint Registrar of the university has issued an order No: Au/Adm/Misc/DTA-343/7434-93 declaring the symbolic and peaceful protest illegitimate and asked heads of various Divisions to get signed from the scientists the declaration of being on protest.
The SSTA though had responded to false information provided by the Registry vide No. AU/SKUAST-K/SSTA/ 2020/47-49 Dated: 04-10-2020 but the authorities preferred to ignore the grievances and continue to violate the norms and denied to ameliorate the issues confronting Scientists.
The order issued today speaks of the undemocratic, unconstitutional and dictatorial policies of the University authorities who are trying to muzzle the Association and resort to different tactics to hide their misappropriations going on unabated, unquestioned and unchecked within the university over the years.
The Association being the elected body of SKUAST-K condemn such an Anti-Scientist and dictatorial approach of the University authorities and will not budge from making the facts public.
SSTA have appealed to Scientist fraternity not to panic and feel frightened as we are following a disciplined, peaceful, silient and symbolic protest as a right guaranteed by the Constitution of India. Heads of the various Divisions, Research Stations and KVKs who are also part of the SSTA are requested not to follow the dictatorial order and permit the Scientists to observe the symbolic protest peacefully.
We also request the VC and worthy registrar once again to come to table, listen and ameliorate the grievances of the scientist fraternity and not to resort to such pressure tactics.
We are highly disciplined, peaceful and committed to work for the welfare of the university and Scientist fraternity.
He being the Chancellor of the University is requested to kindly intervene into the matter to protect this institute of repute from deterioration by way of Corruption, Nepotism and dictatorial policies of the university Authorities.

KR Desk