In a letter to the Chief Minister, the JKSA stated that over two dozen Kashmiri students were facing "undue restrictions" related to personal appearance, particularly regarding beards, which they maintain for cultural and religious reasons. The students claimed they were instructed to either trim their beards to a "01" trimmer length or be clean-shaven for college activities, including clinical duties. Those who refused reported being marked absent, impacting their attendance and academic records.
The association's letter described the directive as an infringement on the students' cultural and religious rights. "The college administration has reportedly been compelling Kashmiri students to either trim their beards or remain clean-shaven to enter the premises and participate in clinical duties. Students with beards are being marked absent, negatively affecting their academic standing," read the letter to Siddaramaiah.
In response, the college administration denied targeting any specific group and clarified that the guidelines apply to all students, including local Kannadiga students, as part of hygiene standards essential for clinical duties. Vijayakumar, the college's clinical inspector, stated, "This guideline was issued for hygiene purposes. A stern warning was given after some students ignored prior directions."
The college also alleged that some Kashmiri students had frequently missed classes for religious observances. Following JKSA's appeal, a meeting was held between the college administration and the students, resulting in an agreement that students could maintain their religious customs without academic penalties.