Clashes in NIT Srinagar over India's defeat at the hands of West Indies; normalcy restored

The National Institute of Technology (NIT) was shut down in the wake of clashes between local and non-local students over India's defeat in semi-final clash with West Indies.

New Delhi: The HRD Ministry on Saturday said normalcy has been restored at NIT Srinagar, which witnessed clashes between local and non-local students over India's defeat in the semi-final clash with West Indies in the ongoing World T20 Cup.

As per a statement released here by the ministry, Rajat Gupta, Director NIT Srinagar, reassured the students, faculty and parents that the temporary situation arising out of tensions from disappointment at the outcome of the cricket match on March 31 had been overcome.

The situation on the campus and at the hostels was normal, and academic activities would continue on Monday, the statement said.

The National Institute of Technology (NIT) here was shut down yesterday till further orders in the wake of clashes between local and non-local students over India's defeat in yesterday's semi final clash with West Indies in the ongoing World T20 Cup.

A local student had said the non-local students were irked by the celebrations witnessed in Kashmir following India's defeat.

"The non-local students, being in majority in the NIT, just picked up a fight with local students and thrashed few of them," alleged the student, who did not wish to be named.

"There was an unruly situation on campus and we thought it provident to shut down the campus till further orders as a precautionary measure," an official of the NIT said.

The HRD Ministry said that the district administration and local authorities had extended the fullest cooperation, enabling the situation to be contained.

"The group of students have been counselled in the presence of senior officials," it added.

The Director, NIT Srinagar, assured the parents, students and all concerned that there is no cause for apprehension and students are safe, secure and on campus, said the statement.

All scheduled programs in the institution will take place, including the 'National Research Scholar Conclave' scheduled for today and tomorrow, it added.