In the aftermath of the tragic Pahalgam attack in Indian-occupied Kashmir, the Kashmir Students Association has reported a disturbing increase in harassment faced by Kashmiri students across India. This growing tension has led to evictions, threats, and even physical attacks in several states.
Alarming Reports from Across States
According to Nasir Khuehami, the convener of the Kashmir Students Association, students from Kashmir are being forced to vacate their apartments and hostel rooms in Indian states like Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, and Himachal Pradesh. The association claims that in many cases, students are being threatened with violence or reported to authorities without cause.
In a particularly serious case, Kashmiri students at a university in Himachal Pradesh reported that their hostel doors were broken into by unknown individuals. Some students were harassed inside their own rooms, and the atmosphere remains tense on campus.
Physical Attacks Reported on Campuses
Alongside forced evictions, the association revealed that some Kashmiri students have even been physically attacked. In Himachal Pradesh, students were targeted on university grounds, raising serious concerns about their safety and the response from the authorities.
Students say they now feel unsafe attending classes or moving freely around campus. Many are choosing to stay indoors, afraid of being confronted or assaulted again. Some have even contacted their families back home, expressing a desire to leave their studies and return to Kashmir.
Pahalgam Attack Triggers Widespread Fear
The incident that triggered this backlash occurred just two days ago in the Pahalgam district of Indian-occupied Kashmir, where at least 26 people lost their lives in a mass shooting at a popular tourist destination. While investigations are still underway, speculation and finger-pointing in the Indian media have sparked a wave of public outrage—much of it directed unfairly at ordinary Kashmiris.
Despite no confirmed involvement of any Kashmiri students, they are being treated as suspects or sympathizers simply due to their identity. This has further marginalized a community that already faces intense scrutiny and discrimination.
Association Calls for Immediate Action
Nasir Khuehami and the Kashmir Students Association are calling on Indian authorities and educational institutions to act swiftly. They demand that universities ensure the safety of their students and stop the unjust targeting of Kashmiris based on unverified suspicions.
He emphasized that these students are in other states for educational purposes and should not be made scapegoats for any violent incident that happens elsewhere. The environment right now is filled with fear and intimidation,Khuehami said in a press statement. This harassment must end immediately.
Students Plead for Safety and Support
Many students are now reaching out to human rights groups and student unions, hoping to receive support or at least protection. Some have even filed complaints with university authorities, but responses have been slow or absent altogether. The fear of being attacked again is so strong that many Kashmiris are choosing to stay out of sight entirely.
One student in Uttar Pradesh shared, “I came here to study, not to live in fear every day. My family is scared for me, and I don’t know how long I can stay in this kind of situation.”
Voices Urge Calm and Responsibility
Civil rights activists and student leaders are now urging the public and the media to avoid blaming an entire community for one incident. They’re asking for responsible reporting and peaceful dialogue, rather than encouraging mob mentalities and communal targeting.
They also stress the importance of safeguarding the rights of students and ensuring they are treated fairly. Any attack on them is not only a violation of human rights but also a blow to the country’s commitment to education and diversity.
While the investigation into the Pahalgam tragedy continues, it is crucial that Kashmiri students across India are not turned into collateral damage. Their safety, dignity, and right to education must be protected at all costs.
The Kashmir Students Association has made it clear: the situation is urgent, and action is needed now before more harm is done. The question remains—will authorities respond in time to ensure the safety of these young students?
