Jammu, July 21, 2023 (PPI-OT): University teachers, students and activists held a strong protest demonstration in Jammu against a bill that undermines the autonomy of public universities in Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir.

Up in arms against ‘Public Universities Bill-2022’, the protesters said that the controversial Bill, which has been sent to the Indian Ministry of Home Affairs by the IIOJK administration, besides infringing upon the autonomy of public institutions imposes unnecessary bureaucratic interference.

Shouting slogans and carrying placards, they demanded immediate withdrawal of the Bill. “While the National Education Policy supports granting financial, administrative and educational autonomy to universities, this bill aims to eliminate the independence of public universities in Jammu and Kashmir”, they added.

The protesting students said, “The Public Universities Bill – 2022 is an unwelcome intrusion that threatens the autonomy of our esteemed public universities in Jammu and Kashmir. Student’s stands united in its opposition to this bill and call for its immediate repeal. We will not hesitate to raise our voices and take to the streets if necessary, to protect the rights and aspirations of our students and academic community.”

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