India-Pakistan Conflict: Delhi University students ‘stranded’ in J&K seek alternatives to semester exams

Students from Jammu and Kashmir enrolled in Delhi University have requested “appropriate relief measures” for ongoing semester examinations at colleges across the university. They had gone back to J-K but have been stranded due to the India-Pakistan conflict.

A ceasefire was announced on May 10 but there have been reports of its violation in the border states since then.

Ronak Khatri, president, Delhi University Student Union (DUSU) has written to the DU vice-chancellor seeking “postponement of university examinations amid security concerns”. In another letter addressed to the VC, students from Ramjas College, Shri Ram College of Commerce (SRCC), and Deshbandhu College have shared a statement requesting relief measures for the students.

Several J-K students have gone back to their home states in the North and are stuck currently due to the ongoing conflict. The statement from DU J-K students said: “Several of us have travelled to Jammu and Kashmir during the recent break. Unfortunately, due to the ongoing conflict between India and Pakistan, we are currently stranded in different parts of the region. The situation has escalated to a point where flights have been halted temporarily, and train and bus services are either suspended or considered unsafe. This has made it nearly impossible for us to return to Delhi and appear for our ongoing examinations.”

Further, J-K students studying at IK Gujral Punjab Technical University have written to the registrar requesting for online examination or further postponement of exams which were postponed from May 8 to May 19 recently, amidst the ongoing conflict between India and Pakistan.

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Mental health and fear

DU J&K students also state the prevalence of fear and anxiety among students leading to mental distress among students. The letter said: “The prevailing fear and uncertainty have led to heightened anxiety and mental distress among us. Many of us are cut off from proper communication due to frequent blackouts and poor connectivity, making it difficult even to study or stay updated with academic developments.”

Students have requested for relief measures including the options of rescheduling, providing online alternatives, or granting of another chance to appear for the examination after the situation in the state stabilizes.

Jammu-Kashmir students’ travel safety

J&K students enrolled in IK Gujral Punjab Technical University, Kapurthala, have asked if the university will take responsibility for their safety if they are forced to travel for exams. “We also seek clarification on a critical point: If the university continues with offline exams and a student’s life or safety is compromised due to travel through conflict-prone areas, will the university bear responsibility?” they asked in their letter.

They requested that the registrar to either conduct the examination online for J& K students or postpone it till after June 15, assuming the situation stabilises by then.

Many students had returned to their homes in J&K just two days before the exams were postponed for May 19. That announcement came on May 12.