Female Students at KU Say Dog Menace Has Made Movement Unsafe; Registrar Assures Action

Srinagar, Dec 11, KNT: A persistent stray dog problem inside Kashmir University has triggered widespread concern among students and staff, with many describing the situation as increasingly unsafe and demoralizing. The issue, according to students, has been simmering for months and has now reached a point where routine movement on campus has become difficult, particularly for female students and employees.

Large groups of stray dogs are reportedly roaming around the girls’ hostels, residential quarters, the Allama Iqbal Library, the Naseem Bagh lawns and pathways connecting academic blocks. Students said that dogs often enter through the Sir Syed Gate and Rumi Gate in the early hours and continue to circulate across the campus throughout the day. They pointed out that the fear of encountering aggressive dogs has restricted them from morning walks, evening strolls and even accessing study areas during quieter hours.

A female research scholar said that despite repeated pleas, the problem has not been addressed with the seriousness it demands. She said that open lawns have become unusable due to dog fecal matter scattered across the grass, while dustbins without lids attract animals and contribute to unhygienic conditions. According to her, students no longer feel comfortable sitting outdoors or using common recreational spaces.

Students also recalled an incident about a month ago when a ten-year-old child was bitten by a stray dog in the children’s park inside the campus. They said such incidents highlight the need for immediate intervention rather than temporary measures or verbal assurances.
Students stressed that the problem requires a coordinated response involving campus security, sanitation management and local authorities so that movement within the university becomes safe and the academic environment is not overshadowed by constant anxiety.

When contacted, Kashmir University Registrar Dr Naseer Iqbal told the news agency Kashmir News Trust that he will look into the matter and review the concerns raised by students. He said the administration will examine the pattern of dog movement, the condition of entry points and sanitation issues before initiating necessary corrective steps. [KNT]