THE Karakurum International University (KIU) made headlines in the local press throughout the week, not for any achievement in education or research work but for continuing protests and strikes after sacking of employees and expulsion of students. It would have been a time of rejoicing had this only premier educational institution of the region been in the news for some achievements and good work for the region. But, unfortunately, it was the other way round. All the week on the campus passed mired in students/workers' protest demonstrations and strikes.

 

The fact cannot be denied that the university is facing severe economic and financial crisis due to negligence of the federal government and the Higher Education Commission. But it should be expected from such an institution to put its house in order and manage crisis of any sort in a pragmatic way, because it is a fact that only tough times determine the ability of a leader. The university administration should not shrug off the blame by passing the bug to the federal government and the Higher Education Commission. There are lots of other issues where the financial constraint is not involved at all such as the issue of discipline on the campus.

 

A clash between two student groups erupted last week on the university campus which was controlled by police, rangers and other law enforcing agencies. The clashing groups, however, reached reconciliation after the intervention of local elites on the conditions that they would be expelled from the university in case they get involved in any such incident in future. But the university authority neglected this decision of the local elites and issued their expulsion orders just two days after the reconciliation which raised anger among the students. The students staged a protest demonstration the other day and a whole day was spent in that protest.

 

On the other hand, the university employees union too is on strike against sacking of some five workers ranking from the admin officer to sweeper. The logic behind mentioning these facts is that it is not always wise to take the hardest decision. Expelling students and sacking employees can be the last option and such situations are being faced with a minimum loss. Such a situation tests the mantle of a leader and it is unwise to expel students and sack employees. If the university authority goes on throwing out students and employees, then there will remain no choice but to shut the university.

 

The university administration is claiming that a special group is involved in creating law and order situation in the university for what they call gaining their political objectives. The university authority should bring their names to the notice of the district administration if not to the public.Another burning issue of the university is the financial crisis caused by the negligence of the federal government and the Higher Education Commission. This only university of Gilgit-Baltistan is receiving the treatment of step-mother from the federal government and the HEC like the masses and other organizations of the region. The vice-chancellor of the KIU had written to the President of Pakistan in this regard and those in the President House had directed the ministry of Kashmir affairs and Northern Areas to grant the required budget to the university but despite a passage of three months the ministry has not bothered to utter a single word to the university regarding the funds. The university authorities said when the ministry was contacted they directed them at times to go to the chief secretary and at times to the finance department but nobody gave them any positive response.

 

The Higher Education Commission had pledged to grant a fund of Rs877 million to the university but now they too were excusing. The university authorities had withdrawn loans to make both ends meet and if such situation remained there is no doubt that downsizing of the university will be carried out. This will without doubt have an effect on the standard of the university besides tarnishing its image.The elected representatives should come forward to handle the situation and their role is of immense importance at this crucial time for both the masses as well as for their own benefit. It is a fact that the government has never been sincere with the region - either be it the basic human rights, constitutional and political rights or the right of speech and gathering. The sense of alienation has touched its peak in this democratic era and the masses of the region are squarely surrounded by problems. Some 35 people died as a result of heavy snowfall and many are waiting for basic facilities. Edibles and food items are non-existent in the local markets while corruption and black marketing are also at their peak. The only way to get out of this imbroglio is to stand united and fight for rights. There is no other way.