Srinagar: In the aftermath of the recent militant attack in Pahalgam that claimed the lives of 25 tourists and a local resident, Kashmiri students studying across various Indian states are reportedly facing increasing harassment, threats, and physical assaults.
The J&K Students Association has raised alarm over what it calls a “growing wave of targeted violence” against Kashmiri students outside the region. According to the association’s national convenor, Nasir Khuehami, multiple distress calls have been received from students in Dehradun, Chandigarh, Noida, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh.
“The situation is becoming increasingly grim. Kashmiri students are being intimidated, labelled as terrorists, and physically assaulted. In Dehradun, a video circulated by the Hindu Raksha Dal warned Kashmiri Muslim students to leave the city by 10 am today,” Khuehami said.
In one of the most disturbing incidents, students from the Universal Group of Institutions in Derabassi, Chandigarh, were allegedly attacked inside their hostel late at night. “Their rooms were broken into, they were beaten with sharp weapons, their clothes were torn, and one student suffered serious injuries,” Khuehami added.
He noted this was the seventh such incident reported since the deadly attack on tourists in Baisaran, also known as ‘Mini Switzerland’. In Noida, a Kashmiri student was reportedly assaulted on the campus of Amity University.
In Uttarakhand, Kashmiri students from BFIT College, Sudhowala, fled toward Jolly Grant Airport fearing for their safety after threats from right-wing groups went viral on social media.
Khuehami also highlighted similar cases in Himachal Pradesh, where students in Arni University (Indora) and Kangra were allegedly harassed and assaulted. In Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, landlords are reportedly forcing Kashmiri tenants to vacate their accommodations immediately, citing security concerns.
“Students are living in fear. They’re being coerced into leaving their colleges and hostels, often with no place to go,” Khuehami said.
The association has activated a dedicated helpline and response team to provide on-ground support and coordinate with local authorities. National President of the Association, Ummar Jamal, urged immediate intervention from state governments and educational institutions.
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah responded to the growing crisis, stating that the J&K government is in close contact with the governments of the concerned states. “I’m in touch with my counterparts and have requested that they ensure the safety of all Kashmiri students,” he said.
To provide timely assistance, JKSA has also released a set of helpline numbers for Kashmiri students: 9149676014, 7006922289, 8825005327, 9906299199, 9602689622, 6006169477, 8082602445, 9149500623, 6006333584. Additionally, the Jammu and Kashmir Resident Commission in New Delhi has set up 24×7 helplines to extend support to those facing difficulties: 7303620090, 9682389265, 9419158581, 01124611108, 01124615475, 01124611157, 01126112021, 01126112022.
