SRINAGAR, April 24:— In the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack that left 26 dead, including 25 tourists and a local resident, Kashmiri students across India are facing a rising wave of violence and threats, according to the J&K Students Association.
The association said it has received multiple distress calls from students in Dehradun, where members of the Hindu Raksha Dal allegedly issued threats demanding Kashmiri Muslim students vacate the city by 10 am Thursday.
“The situation is grim. Students feel unsafe and deeply threatened,” said Nasir Khuehami, national convenor of the association.
“We’ve released emergency helpline numbers and are trying to assist students wherever possible.”
He said the association had also received calls from students at the Universal Group of Institutions in Derabassi, Chandigarh, where Kashmiri students were reportedly attacked inside their hostel.
“Locals and other students stormed the hostel at midnight, targeting Kashmiri students with sharp weapons. Clothes were torn, and at least one student was seriously injured,” Khuehami said.
This marks the seventh incident reported since the Pahalgam attack, Khuehami said.
The violence, he noted, has included a brutal assault on a Kashmiri student at Amity University, Noida, as well as escalating threats from fringe groups in Uttarakhand.
Written threats have been sent to several colleges in Dehradun, demanding the expulsion of Kashmiri Muslim students.
“Many terrified students from BFIT College, Sudhowala, have fled to Jolly Grant Airport to escape the threats,” he added.
In Himachal Pradesh, the association reported attacks and abuse targeting Kashmiri students in Arni University, Kathghar (Indora), and in parts of Kangra.
“They are being labelled terrorists and forced out of their lodgings under direct threats,” Khuehami said.
Distress calls have also come from Kashmiri students and youth in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh.
“Landlords are pressuring them to vacate immediately. Some have already left,” he said.
J&K Students Association President Ummar Jamal said a rapid-response team has been formed to help victims and coordinate with state authorities.
“We are in continuous touch with the students and intervening whenever possible,” Jamal noted.
The April 22 militant attack at Baisaran, often dubbed ‘mini Switzerland,’ has triggered deep outrage across Kashmir. For the first time in 35 years of insurgency, the Valley observed a complete shutdown on Wednesday in protest against the killing of civilians.
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah expressed concern over the attacks on students.
“The government is in touch with officials from the states where these incidents are being reported,” he said.
“I’m also in touch with my counterparts and have asked them to ensure the safety of Kashmiri students.”
