Kashmiri Student | SabrangIndia News Related to Human Rights Thu, 24 Apr 2025 12:59:11 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.2.2 https://sabrangindia.in/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Favicon_0.png Kashmiri Student | SabrangIndia 32 32 Pahalgam attack sparks nationwide turmoil, Kashmiri students face a chilling wave of hate across India https://sabrangindia.in/pahalgam-attack-sparks-nationwide-turmoil-kashmiri-students-face-a-chilling-wave-of-hate-across-india/ Thu, 24 Apr 2025 12:58:38 +0000 https://sabrangindia.in/?p=41425 Following the deadly terrorist attack in Pahalgam that claimed over two dozen lives, Kashmiri students across Indian states report threats, evictions, and violence, prompting urgent calls for protection and solidarity

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]]> In one of the deadliest terror attacks in recent years, unidentified militants opened fire on a group of tourists at Baisaran, Pahalgam—popularly known as ‘Mini Switzerland’—in south Kashmir on April 22, 2025. The brutal assault, which took place on a peaceful Tuesday afternoon, claimed the lives of 28 individuals, including over 27 tourists and a local resident. This marked the gravest act of terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir since the 2019 Pulwama attack, where 40 CRPF personnel were killed. The massacre has not only triggered national mourning but also ignited widespread outrage across the Valley, leading to an unprecedented shutdown—a rare sight in Kashmir’s 35-year-long history of militancy. (A detailed report may be read here).

While the Valley remains steeped in grief, the ripple effects of the attack have reached far beyond Jammu and Kashmir, causing a fresh wave of anxiety and hostility towards Kashmiri students studying across India. Reports of targeted harassment and violence have surfaced, prompting urgent responses from community organisations and political leaders alike.

Advisory Issued by the Jammu and Kashmir Students Association (JKSA)

In light of rising tensions and threats following the attack, the Jammu and Kashmir Students Association (JKSA) has issued an urgent advisory to all Kashmiri students pursuing education across various Indian states. The association appealed for restraint, advising students to remain indoors unless absolutely necessary, refrain from engaging in political discussions, and avoid posting sensitive content online.

Nasir Khuehami, National Convenor of JKSA, emphasised the volatile nature of the current environment. “We appeal to all Kashmiri students to maintain calm, avoid political debates or provocative content on social media, and not venture out unnecessarily,” he said through his social media account. The association also provided helpline numbers and has activated a dedicated response team to support students in distress and coordinate with local authorities where needed.

Ummar Jamal, the National President of JKSA, condemned the terror attack unequivocally, calling it a “cowardly and inhumane act.” As per report of Rising Kashmir, Jamal reiterated that terrorism has no religion or justification and must be countered with unity and resolve. Expressing solidarity with the victims’ families, the association urged students to focus on their safety and academics, warning against being misled by those seeking to exploit the tragedy for political purposes.

Wave of Harassment against Kashmiri Students

In the immediate aftermath of the Pahalgam attack, JKSA reported a disturbing spike in harassment, abuse, and violence targeted at Kashmiri students in several Indian states, including Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, and Punjab.

  • Uttarakhand (Dehradun): Around 20 Kashmiri students fled to Jolly Grant Airport after being threatened by members of the Hindu Raksha Dal. The group circulated videos threatening students with violence if they did not leave by a set deadline. Later, it was provided by Khuehami that an FIR has been registered against the members of the Hindu Raksha Dal, and arrests will follow shortly.

  • Himachal Pradesh (Arni University, Kathghar and Kangra): Kashmiri students were assaulted in their hostel rooms by individuals who forcibly entered, broke doors, and physically attacked them while hurling communal slurs and branding them as terrorists.

  • Punjab (Universal Group of Institutions, Derabassi, Chandigarh): Students were beaten up by a group of unidentified locals who stormed the hostel premises late at night armed with sharp weapons. One student suffered serious injuries; others were left shaken.

  • Uttar Pradesh (Prayagraj): Reports emerged of students being asked to vacate accommodations by landlords and being forced to leave due to threats from local groups and police inaction.

  • Noida (Amity University): As per The New Indian Express, a Kashmiri student was allegedly beaten severely on campus grounds. The matter has been brought to the attention of JKSA, which is in touch with university officials.
  • Written threats to institutions (Dehradun): The Hindu Raksha Dal issued letters and warnings to various colleges, demanding the expulsion of Kashmiri Muslim students and threatening consequences if their demands weren’t met.

  • Social media threats: Viral videos have surfaced showing fringe groups inciting violence against Kashmiris, with direct calls for assault, eviction, and boycott—contributing to a climate of fear.

Political leaders and civil society react

The severity of the situation has prompted appeals from political leaders and civil society groups. Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah confirmed that the state government is in touch with counterparts in other states to ensure the safety of Kashmiri students. “I’ve requested my counterpart Chief Ministers to take extra care,” he said in a post on X (formerly Twitter).

People’s Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti also expressed deep concern. In a statement, she said she had spoken with Union Home Minister Amit Shah, offering condolences for the victims of the attack while urging his immediate intervention to protect Kashmiris facing threats in various parts of the country. She condemned the role of extremist elements in inciting hate and stressed the need for the Centre to act decisively.

Sajad Lone, President of the People’s Conference, echoed these sentiments, calling on the Union Government to protect the lives and dignity of Kashmiri students. “They are being bullied, beaten, and evicted.” he stated.

A targeted campaign of hate

JKSA convenor Nasir Khuehami strongly criticised the coordinated nature of these incidents. “This is not just about security. It is a calculated, targeted campaign of hate and vilification against students from a specific region and identity,” he said

With at least seven major incidents of violence or harassment reported since the Pahalgam massacre, the situation remains deeply alarming. The JKSA continues to monitor developments closely, provide support to those affected, and appeal to national and state authorities for immediate action.

Conclusion: Urging unity, not vengeance

In the face of tragedy, the JKSA as well as the politicians of Jammu and Kashmir have consistently called for calm, compassion, and community support. It has reiterated that violence cannot be met with hate and scapegoating. As the country mourns the victims of the Pahalgam attack, there is an urgent need for national unity—not only against terror, but against the communal rhetoric that threatens to unravel social harmony.

For now, the focus remains on ensuring the safety and well-being of vulnerable students. Helpline numbers are operational, and support networks are being strengthened. But unless state authorities act swiftly and decisively, the consequences of unchecked bigotry could spiral further, exacerbating the very divisions that terrorists seek to exploit.

 

Related:

A Tranquil Paradise Shattered: The Pahalgam terror attack

SC leads the nation’s legal fraternity as it unites in grief & outrage over Pahalgam terror attack

Muslims in Kashmir & across India strongly condemn Pahalgam terror attack

Indian Muslims, others, condemn the heinous massacre of tourists near Pahalgam, Kashmir

 

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]]> Pulwama Aftermath: The Love for Sikh Community https://sabrangindia.in/pulwama-aftermath-love-sikh-community/ Mon, 25 Mar 2019 06:45:38 +0000 http://localhost/sabrangv4/2019/03/25/pulwama-aftermath-love-sikh-community/ On 14th February 2019, vehicles of security forces which were on its way to reach Srinagar came under a heavy attach when a vehicle-borne bomber attacked the vehicles at Lethpora Pulwama. As a result of the attack, 49 CRPF personal died along with the person who carried the attack. As soon as the attack took […]

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On 14th February 2019, vehicles of security forces which were on its way to reach Srinagar came under a heavy attach when a vehicle-borne bomber attacked the vehicles at Lethpora Pulwama. As a result of the attack, 49 CRPF personal died along with the person who carried the attack. As soon as the attack took place, the Kashmiri students studying in different states of India starts receiving life threats.Several Kashmiri students who were studying particularly in northern states of India were asked to leave the state as soon as possible. Not only students but migrants, traders and professionals were also forced to leave the state on priority basis. In Dehradun, the Kashmiri students studying were forced to leave the state and were asked to fly back to J&K. The college administration in Dehradun also told that they will not admit any Kashmiri student in the near future. In another instance, a senior faculty member was dismissed from his post because of his Kashmiri identity.

The situation was getting worse and there was not even a single sign of relief for Kashmiri Students. On 15th February, a video became viral on Social Media where some persons in Bihar were seen thrashing the Kashmiri based shopkeepers. They were seen asking them to leave the state as soon as possible or face dire consequences. In Maharashtra, Students were seen being slapped. They were forced to sing ‘Vande Mataram’ and shout ‘Hindustan Zindabad’. In Haryana, over 100 Kashmiri students including girls who were residing in PG accommodations were asked to leave the accommodation. They were forced to seek refuge with the authorities of a private deemed university where they were studying. Not only this, three Kashmiri shawl vendors who were only their way to Haryana were beaten.In the Uttarakhand capital, Kashmiri students were asked to vacate their accommodations by the owners as they were fearing of attacks on their properties by the local people. A Kashmir based former Assistant Professor from LPU Salman Shaheen was forced to take refuge in the washroom to save himself from a mob.

Leaving this aside, the Sikh community in Punjab rescued many Kashmiri students. Khalsa Aid, an international humanitarian NGO take the lead in rescuing Kashmiri Students. The NGO rescued many students who had locked themselves in their rooms for fear of being targeted by the locals in Dehradun. The Punjab-based NGO helped the fear-stricken students studying in Dehradun to head back to their native places under full security cover.The NGO apart from providing transportation also arranged for their accommodation and food. The NGO came in touch with Jammu and Kashmir Students’ Organisation (JKSO) and provided transportation to at least 250 students.Local gurudwaras in Punjab were thrown open for Kashmiri students. Not only this, butthe local Sikh community also provided shelter to Kashmiri Students.An image from Punjab went viral on Social Media where three persons from Sikh Community were guarding the building during night hours. Amar Preet belonging to Sikh community was constantly tweeting about the steps taken by them in safeguard Kashmiri students.

The help provided by the Sikh community was appreciated by each and everyone in Kashmir. The Social Media websites like Facebook and Twitter were flooded with appreciation posts from local people in Kashmir. On the evening of February 20th, social media websites were flooded with offers of free snow-bike rides, free hotel stays for Sikh tourists, free medical check-ups, discounts on medicine for patients belonging to Sikh community. The people of Kashmir also appreciated the Sikh community by providing free admission in educational institutes and English-speaking courses for the kids of Sikh Community. It was also seen that people of Kashmir were offering free blood donation and even kidneys to the people of the Sikh community.

The local Kashmiri press also took the lead by expressing its gratitude to the Sikh Community. Kashmir’s based leading English daily, Greater Kashmirmade a cartoon of a turban-wearing man in a boat holding out a hand to a drowning Kashmiri man.Similarly, Mudasir Ahmad from Anantnag district of the state who works as a mechanic decided to waive labor charges for washing or repairing vehicles owned by Sikh customers. Shaheen Ahmad Lone, who owns a private school in north Kashmir’s Kanispora area where around 500 Sikh families live offered free admission and free education to Sikh students from nursery to Class 10.

Meanwhile, The Sikh community responded to the generosity of the Kashmiri and once again won the hearts of the people and restored the faith in humanity. In a Viral Video on Social Media, the Sikh community thanked the people of the valley for showing the love for them.

Ishfaq Majid, Research Scholar, School of Education, Central University of Gujarat

Courtesy: Counter Current

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