Iraq unrest: AMU issues advisory for foreign students

Following the ongoing turmoil in Iraq, Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) administration has directed its foreign students not to leave the campus, Aligarh district or the country without informing the university authorities. Those returning from abroad or any other place in India will also have to inform the university soon after they arrive Aligarh.

AMU proctor Jamshed Siddiqui issued an advisory stating that all foreign students must inform the Proctor office before leaving India even during vacations. He urged them to carry their identity cards and photocopies of passports while traveling in India or abroad. He also announced that any student found flouting the aforementioned instructions shall be liable to punishment as per Aligarh Muslim University Students’ Conduct and Discipline Rules, 1985.

University spokesperson Rahat Abrar said foreign students from countries of Iraq, Iran, Syria and other parts of Gulf are studying at AMU and following the disturbance in Iraq, university is concerned about their safety. University wants to remain informed about their location within the country and outside India. Abrar also said the directive will be strictly applicable on those foreign students who are staying in rented rooms and private hostels outside the campus.

“It is easy to get information about students  living in university’s hostels on campus. But movement of those living in private hostels and rooms is a major concern,” he added. Sididqui, howeber, added it was a general advisory  for the foreign national students and not only for those from Iraq.