Gen Hasnain is Kashmir varsity’s new chancellor

SRINAGAR: Army veteran, lieutenant general (retd) Syed Ata Hasnain, who has served in Kashmir as corps commander, has been appointed as chancellor of the Central University of Kashmir (CUK).

Hasnain will replace professor Srikumar Banerjee, former chairman, Atomic Energy Commission of India and founder chancellor of the university whose term ended recently.

President Ram Nath Kovind appointed Hasnain, former military secretary as the chancellor for five years, said varsity registrar professor M Afzal Zargar.

CUK , along with other 13 universities, was established in 2009 and is at present imparting education to over 2,300 students and scholars. The university has nine schools and 18 PG departments teaching 35 programmes including five year integrated courses and skill-based programmes.

This will be Hasnain’s first stint to administer an educational institute who otherwise has an experience in military and strategic affairs of the country particularly in J&K. He was made the commander of the 15 (Chinar) Corps when Kashmir was rocked by massive protests and stone pelting in 2010. Hasnain has done his M Phil from Indore University and MA in international studies from the Kings College, University of London. He did his BA (Honours) in history from St Stephen’s College and MSC from Chennai University.