Sher e Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K) has suspended academic activities at its Faculty of Forestry in Benhama, Watlar, Ganderbal, until further notice. This decision comes amid ongoing protests by forestry students against the proposed recruitment rules and eligibility criteria for the Forester post in the Jammu and Kashmir Forest Department.
- Forestry classes for UG (except first-year), MSc, and PhD students are suspended.
- Students from Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh must vacate campus hostels by 10 am on October 16, 2026.
- Protests have been ongoing for 23 days demanding fair recruitment rules.
- University warns of action against students who do not comply with hostel evacuation.
Why has SKUAST-K suspended forestry classes?
The university suspended classes due to continuous protests by forestry students. These students have been demonstrating against the proposed recruitment rules and eligibility criteria for the Forester position in the Jammu and Kashmir Forest Department. The protests have lasted for 23 days, prompting the university to halt academic activities until further orders.
Which students are affected by the suspension?
The suspension applies to undergraduate students beyond the first year, as well as Master of Science (MSc) and PhD students enrolled in the Faculty of Forestry. First-year undergraduate students are exempt from this suspension and can continue their classes as usual.
What are the hostel evacuation instructions?
SKUAST-K has instructed all students from Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh residing in the Pine Boys’ and Girls’ Hostels to vacate their rooms by 10 am on October 16, 2026. The university has warned that failure to comply may result in disciplinary action under applicable rules. Hostel wardens are responsible for ensuring that students leave within the specified timeline.
How has the university communicated this decision?
The Office of the Dean, Faculty of Forestry, issued an official order on October 15, 2026, detailing the suspension and hostel evacuation. The order has been shared with senior university officials, including the Registrar, Director Education, Director Research, and Dean Students’ Welfare, to coordinate necessary actions.
What has been the reaction to the suspension?
The decision has faced criticism on social media platforms. Some users have described the university's actions as "institutional blackmailing and intimidation" and have called for the order to be revoked promptly. However, the university has not provided specific reasons beyond the protests for suspending classes and asking students to vacate hostels.
What is the current status of the suspension?
The suspension of classes and hostel evacuation is in effect until further notice. The university has not announced when academic activities will resume or if any changes will be made to the recruitment rules that triggered the protests.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are first-year forestry students affected by the suspension?
A: No, first-year undergraduate forestry students are exempt from the suspension and can continue attending classes.
Q: Why are students protesting at SKUAST-K?
A: Students are protesting against the proposed recruitment rules and eligibility criteria for the Forester position in the Jammu and Kashmir Forest Department, demanding fair recruitment policies.
Q: What will happen if students do not vacate the hostels?
A: The university has warned that failure to vacate the hostels by the deadline may lead to disciplinary action under applicable university rules.
