‘Discrimination’ at Salim Ali centre: Kashmiri student writes to PMO

COIMBATORE: Kashmiri student Mohammed Zeeshan Malik, who alleged discrimination at Salim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History (SACON) in Coimbatore, has written to the ministry of human resources and development, ministry of forests, environment and climate change and the Prime Minister’s Office seeking an inquiry into the matter.
He had earlier written to the Mehbooba Mufti government and the human rights commission about this incident.
Stating that he had hostel records and email communication, Malik said he was particularly targeted and mentally tortured during his one-month stay when he visited SACON for his viva voce.
“I personally went to the offices in New Delhi and have submitted my letter to the secretary to the ministers. I am hopeful that required action would be taken,” said Zeeshan.
The 27-year-old said he was extremely proud of his achievements at SACON but would never come back there after this incident. “I am aware of the happenings in my state and I thought I was away from all the problems. I had had a really good stay until last month. I did not take this up because I wanted to gain mileage or prove anything. I wanted to ensure that no other student faces such a situation again,” he said.
He is one among the younger lots to have completed the doctoral degree in the 20s and also has five publications in international journals. Zeeshan works as a teacher in his home town. After his PhD, he will be applicable for a post of assistant professor.
Zeeshan said he had to tell the director personally about these issues. However, he was “ignored” when he tried to make that attempt.
“It was at that time I realisd that I was being personally targeted. Another student also completed viva voce in January, this year. But he was allotted the room and did not face any problem,” said Zeeshan. He said he would meet the minister of forest, environment and climate change to submit a proposal. “At that time, I will definitely raise this issue,” he said.