Following the deadly terror attack in Pahalgam, there has been widespread fear and panic among Kashmiri students across India. This comes after online threats and incidents of targeted violence. The Hindu Raksha Dal issued threats to Kashmiri students residing in Dehradun, Uttarakhand, instructing them to leave the state immediately. These threats were made just two days after the Pahalgam attack, which tragically resulted in the deaths of 26 people.

Police take action to protect students

The threats, which were shared in videos on social media, have left Kashmiri students frightened. Many of them reached out to the police for help. In response, Dehradun SSP Ajai Singh held a meeting with local police officers to ensure the safety of the students. He instructed them to stay alert and keep in contact with the students. "Educational institutions where Kashmiri students study and managers of PGs where they stay have been asked to inform the police immediately in case of any perceived threat," said SSP Singh.

Additionally, over two dozen objectionable social media posts were removed by the police. Nasir Khuehami, the convener of the Kashmiri Students Association, said, "We have spoken to the DGP of Uttarakhand Deepam Seth regarding the open threats issued by members of Hindu Raksha Dal to Kashmiri students, including an ultimatum asking them to leave the state. We’ve been told an FIR has been registered and arrests will follow shortly." He further added, "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."

Violence in Chandigarh and support for students

In another incident, the Jammu and Kashmir Students Association (JKSA) received over 1,000 distress calls from students across the country, many of whom are worried about their safety. Some students are planning to go back home because of these threats. To help them, JKSA has set up emergency helplines and created a team to assist students and work with the authorities. In a concerning incident in Chandigarh, Kashmiri students were reportedly attacked by a group with sharp weapons at a hostel.

Dehradun SSP Singh also visited several areas, including Prem Nagar, Sudhowala, Nanda ki Chowki, and Selaqui, to ensure the safety of the students and offer reassurance.

 

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