A wave of fear has engulfed Kashmiri students across the country in the wake of the recent terror attack at Pahalgam, with reports emerging of targeted threats, assaults, and calls for evacuation in several states.
The Jammu and Kashmir Students Association (JKSA) stated it had received over 1,000 distress calls from Kashmiri students nationwide, many of whom are contemplating abandoning their academic sessions and returning home amid safety concerns.
JKSA has launched emergency helplines and mobilised a dedicated support team to assist students and liaise with authorities.
One of the most disturbing incidents surfaced from the Universal Group of Institutions in Derabassi, Chandigarh, where Kashmiri students were allegedly attacked inside their hostel by a group wielding sharp weapons on Wednesday night. According to JKSA national convenor Nasir Khuehami, one student sustained injuries while others were physically assaulted and had their clothes torn.
“There is fear amongst Kashmiri students. Their families are concerned and asking them to return home,” Khuehami said.
In another incident, a video that has gone viral from Dehradun purportedly shows a member of the Hindu Raksha Dal issuing threats to Kashmiri Muslim students, demanding they leave the city or face consequences. The video has reportedly exacerbated the already tense atmosphere among the student community.
“We’re attending classes because of exams, but we’re scared. There’s been no outreach or assurance from local authorities,” a Kashmiri postgraduate student in Uttarakhand said.
At least a dozen Kashmiri students in Dehradun have returned to the Valley fearing backlash in the aftermath of the Pahalgam attack, which claimed the lives of 26 tourists—25 Indians and one Nepali.
In response to the growing unease, JKSA has issued a national advisory urging Kashmiri students to remain indoors, refrain from engaging in confrontations, and avoid political discussions online.
Khuehami confirmed that he had reached out to senior officials regarding the threats. “I have spoken to the DGP of Uttarakhand, Deepam Seth Ji, regarding the open threats issued by members of the Hindu Raksha Dal to Kashmiri students, including an ultimatum asking them to vacate the state. I’ve been told an FIR has been registered and arrests will follow shortly,” he said.
“We will not tolerate such acts. The strongest possible action will be taken to prevent communal intimidation and to safeguard the rights of all Kashmiri students,” he added.
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