KU residential colony becomes haven for drug addicts

Srinagar, Feb 26: Mirza Bagh residential colony of Kashmir University has become a hub of drug peddling.

Around 200 teaching and non-teaching staff members are residing at Mirza Bagh colony of the University of Kashmir.

Kashmir University Teachers Association (KUTA) said the colony has become a safe haven for drug addicts.

Kashmir University Teachers Association, president, Muheet Ahmad said there are many illegal activities going on in the colony as the boundaries are porous.

“We have time and again taken up the issue with university authorities but to no avail. Local residents have turned land of the campus into a dumping site,” Muheet noted.

One of the professors residing in Mirza Bagh campus said that university deducts 20% from his basic salary as HRA but they fail to provide good service.

During evening hours we dread to move out. Criminal elements play cards and sniff drugs inside these abandoned buildings. What is the fun of the watch and ward on the main gate when the other side of the campus is left open? Our children don’t have the freedom to play or move out due to security concerns,” he said.

Registrar, Kashmir University, Nisar Ahmad Mir, admitted that the campus has porous boundaries.

“The portion of that area is disputed as some locals claim that the land belongs to them. We will approach them for negotiation. We have approved Rs 3 crore for renovation of the flats but due to the unprecedented situation the work was delayed”, he said.