Rifle-snatching aftermath: KU Naseem Bagh gate closed for vehicles

In the aftermath of rifle-snatching incident at Kashmir University on May 16, authorities have closed down Zain ul Abideen Budshah Gate (Naseem Bagh gate) of the varsity for vehicles.

The university authorities have also started to check Identity Cards of people who enter the campus from Naseem Bagh gate.

   

On May 16, some unknown persons overpowered a policeman at Rumi Gate of the varsity and snatched his rifle.

The University has increased vigil at all the three gates of the campus making sure that only the students with valid vehicle pass are allowed inside the campus.

Students mainly from Gandarbal and Shalimar areas who used to enter the University through Naseem Bagh gate, however, complained of inconvenience. Many students said that they were using the gate since many departments like Psychology, Law, Social Work and others are located in Naseem Bagh.

“Since I come in my vehicle and my department is next to the Naseem Bagh gate, it is hugely inconvenient for me to use the other gate and come around the university. We are not against the safety measures but students with valid vehicle passes should be allowed from Naseem Bagh gate as well,” said Muhammad Saleem, a research scholar.

The students also said that the university has also closed a small doorway on the professor’s colony side of Naseem Bagh.

Naseer Iqbal, chief proctor of the university said, “We don’t want that any untoward incident happens to any of our students. We decided to close the gate for vehicles. More, there is a small gate from the professor’s colony end of the Naseem Bagh and we didn’t want this route to be used for trespassing since that compromises the safety of our students.

“We know that some students may face some inconvenience but it is for the safety of the whole university.”

Following the rifle snatching incident the police had also imposed ban on use of smart phones in the university by the sentries.

Police has said that recent weapon snatching incidents have occurred due to sentries on duty remain engaged with their smart phones for most of the time.

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