Kashmiri students in India targeted after tourist attack

In the aftermath of a deadly militant attack in Indian-administered Kashmir on Tuesday 22 April, Kashmiri students studying in different parts of India have reported a surge in threats and harassment, prompting calls for state authorities to take extra measures to ensure the safety of affected students.

The attack, carried out by unidentified gunmen, claimed the lives of 26 tourists, making it one of the most severe assaults on civilians in the region in over two decades. Pahalgam, a popular tourist spot known for its scenic beauty, was the location of the violent incident, which has sparked national mourning and widespread anger.

The incident has been widely labelled a terror attack.

Threats to students

In this emotionally charged atmosphere, Kashmiri students studying in cities throughout the country are reporting increased hostility towards them. Some say they have received threats and face harassment, apparently linked to their regional identity and background.

In a video posted online on 23 April, Lalit Sharma, a leader of the right-wing group Hindu Raksha Dal in Uttarakhand, issued a threat to Kashmiri Muslim students, telling them to leave Uttarakhand by 10 am on 24 April or face what he termed “appropriate action”.

He warned that those who failed to comply would be “picked up one by one”.

This video has caused fear and apprehension among Kashmiri students living and studying in different cities across India.

Zeeshan, a student in Dehradun, expressed his fear over a phone call. He described the present situation as alarming.

He told University World News that members of “Hindu outfits” have told him to leave the state without delay.

“Continuing studies as a Kashmiri student is very difficult in this environment,” he said, adding that he is actively seeking a way to quit the state without delay.

Another student from Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, shared her feelings of anxiety and insecurity.

She expressed concern about how to safely return to her home in Kashmir amidst the escalating tensions and threats.

“I’m scared. I don’t know what will happen next,” she said, mirroring the feeling of uncertainty experienced by many other students in similar situations.

Physical violence

In addition to verbal threats, several Kashmiri students studying in cities such as Chandigarh, Dehradun, and Noida have reported experiencing physical violence. Some have shared images of their injuries on social media and have claimed they were targeted in retaliation for the recent attack in Kashmir.

This situation has raised major concerns regarding the safety and wellbeing of Kashmiri students outside their home state, highlighting the urgent need for authorities to ensure their safety during this sensitive period.

Nasir Khuehami, convenor of the Jammu and Kashmir Students Association, told University World News that they are receiving reports from various states indicating that Kashmiri students are facing threats from locals.

Khuehami said: “Many Kashmiri students in Dehradun are constantly calling us out of fear. In Chandigarh's Universal Group of Institutions, Kashmiri students were attacked in their hostels at night. The students reported that some locals and other campus students forcibly entered the hostel and assaulted them with sharp weapons.”

He further said that the students’ clothing was torn during the assault, and one student sustained serious injuries. Similarly, at Amity University in Noida, Kashmiri students also faced violence.

In response to these incidents, the J&K Students Association has released helpline numbers for those in need.

Talks with state authorities

In light of the continuous attacks on Kashmiri students, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said that talks are underway with the chief ministers of the states where these incidents have occurred. He said the students should not be intimidated or attacked.

Abdullah told reporters: ”I request the people of India not to consider the people of Kashmir as their enemies. If the Union government is saying that the attack was carried out by Pakistan, then why are the youth and students of Jammu and Kashmir being targeted in other states? This should be stopped.”

Kashmir is a disputed region divided between India and Pakistan, with both countries claiming the entire territory. Since the partition of India in 1947, New Delhi and Islamabad have fought three wars, including two specifically over Kashmir.

The region has also witnessed militant groups in Indian-administered Kashmir fighting for independence or merger with Pakistan.

India has accused Pakistan of supporting “cross-border terrorism” and has downgraded diplomatic ties following the Pahalgam attack.

Pakistan has denied any involvement in the incident. A previously unknown militant group calling itself the Kashmir Resistance has claimed responsibility, MSN reported.