Three universities in Kashmir have terminated their Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with the Kashmir Care Foundation, a non-governmental organization based in the United States. The decision follows an internal review conducted by the institutions. The universities that have cancelled their agreements with the NGO are the University of Kashmir, the Islamic University of Science and Technology (IUST), and the Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K). Each university has formally notified the Kashmir Care Foundation of the cancellation.
The University of Kashmir’s MoU with the Kashmir Care Foundation was signed on December 15 of the previous year. The stated objective of the agreement was to promote educational initiatives through workshops, seminars, and other academic activities in the fields of STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics), humanities, and related disciplines. However, in its termination letter, the University of Kashmir stated that “continuation of the MoU is not in the larger institutional interest of the University.” The letter also noted that no financial or intellectual obligations had arisen during the period the MoU was in effect, and no funds were either requested or distributed under its terms. The university invoked Clause D of the MoU and applicable regulations to enact the termination with immediate effect.
Similarly, the Islamic University of Science and Technology communicated to the NGO that its MoU, which focused on collaborative projects in emerging technologies, had been reassessed by university authorities. According to IUST’s letter, the university decided to cancel the agreement after the review. The university informed the NGO that the termination was effective immediately and was being carried out in accordance with the Force Majeure clause of the agreement. The specific reasons behind the universities’ decisions were not detailed in the initial statements. However, subsequent reports have suggested that intelligence agencies flagged certain individuals associated with the Atlanta-based NGO.
The collaboration between academic institutions and NGOs is often viewed as a mechanism to bolster educational and research opportunities, particularly in regions facing socio-economic challenges. Such partnerships can facilitate the exchange of knowledge, resources, and expertise, contributing to the overall development of the education sector. MoUs, in particular, define the scope and terms of these collaborations, outlining the responsibilities of each party and the intended outcomes of the partnership. The termination of these agreements raises questions about the factors influencing such decisions and their potential impact on future collaborations.
The University of Kashmir, located in Srinagar, is one of the oldest and largest universities in the region. It has a wide range of academic programs and research initiatives. The Islamic University of Science and Technology, situated in Awantipora, focuses on technical and scientific education. SKUAST-K, with campuses across the Kashmir Valley and Jammu, is dedicated to agricultural education, research, and extension services. Together, these universities play a crucial role in shaping the intellectual and economic landscape of Jammu and Kashmir.
The Kashmir Care Foundation, based in Atlanta, USA, has been involved in various initiatives aimed at supporting education and community development in the Kashmir region. However, the specific projects and activities undertaken under the now-terminated MoUs remain unclear. The recent action by the three universities underscores the importance of conducting thorough due diligence and risk assessments when entering into partnerships with external organizations. Intelligence agencies in India play a significant role in monitoring the activities of NGOs, particularly those with international connections, to ensure compliance with national security interests and regulatory frameworks. Flags raised by these agencies can trigger a review of existing partnerships and potentially lead to their termination.
The termination of these MoUs comes at a time when Jammu and Kashmir is undergoing significant changes in its administrative and political structure. Following the revocation of Article 370 in August 2019, the region has seen increased scrutiny of external engagements and a greater emphasis on ensuring that all activities align with the government’s developmental agenda. The education sector, in particular, has been a focus of attention, with efforts being made to improve the quality of teaching and research and to enhance the skills and employability of students. The decision by the three universities to terminate their MoUs with the Kashmir Care Foundation reflects a cautious approach to international collaborations and a commitment to safeguarding institutional interests.
We have reached out to the Kashmir Care Foundation for their response to these developments but have not received a response at the time of publication. We will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as more information becomes available. The implications of this decision for other academic collaborations in the region are not yet clear.
Tahir Rihat (also known as Tahir Bilal) is an independent journalist, activist, and digital media professional from the Chenab Valley of Jammu and Kashmir, India. He is best known for his work as the Online Editor at The Chenab Times.