Delhi Blast: Kashmiri students face 'collective suspicion', JKSA urges PM Modi to issue strong statement

Within hours after the Delhi Red Fort blast, social media was flooded with insinuations targeting Muslims and WhatsApp groups turned into informal ‘investigation panels’ – this collective suspicion, the Jammu and Kashmir Students Association (JKSA) said, is "unjust and dangerous". The association has urged the Prime Minister Narendra Modi to publicly intervene and “call off the vilification” of the community.

Addressing a press conference at the Press Club of India, the national convenor of JKSA Nasir Khuehami said that “Kashmiri students are being harassed in universities and residential localities across several northern states in Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Delhi, and are facing profiling, eviction, and intimidation in the aftermath of the Red Fort blast in Delhi.”

Stating that the official response to the Delhi blast has been measured, he said that much of the public reaction, especially online, has been troubling.

JKSA's appeal to PM Narendra Modi

A strong statement from the Prime Minister is the need of the hour to acknowledge the anxieties of Kashmiri students, Khuehami said, requesting him to urge citizens not to circulate unverified rumours and to reaffirm constitutional protections.

“This will help curb irresponsible statements and prevent the spread of hate. We also urge the Government to coordinate with universities, employers, and local administrations to ensure the safety and well-being of Kashmiris nationwide. Strict action must be taken against anyone attempting to create communal discord or instigate hostility,” he said.

Condemning the "barbaric act of terror" at Delhi’s Red Fort area, he expressed deep sorrow over the loss of innocent lives. He said that Kashmiri students are being forced to vacate their rooms and many have returned home out of fear.

Also read Delhi Blast: NMC strikes off names of accused doctors from medical register ‘in view of’ UAPA cases

Kashmiris’ sacrifices for India

Highlighting Kashmiris' contributions and immense sacrifices made by the families for the nation, he stressed that students from Jammu and Kashmir have always rejected separatism, secessionism, radicalisation, and every ideology that seeks to divide or weaken India.

"Our people have stood on the borders, protected the country with courage, and given their blood for India’s sovereignty. Generations of Kashmiris have endured hardships with dignity, believing wholeheartedly in a future rooted in India’s unity and progress."

Khuehami assured that the students association is willing to cooperate with authorities to ensure the perpetrators are brought to justice.

“Anyone involved in this heinous act directly or indirectly is neither a friend of Kashmir nor of any religious community. Terror has no religion, no region, and no identity. Those who believe such actions gain legitimacy in or around Kashmir are deeply mistaken. Kashmiris want peace, dignity, and harmony, within India and across South Asia,” the JKSA said in a statement.

PM Modi's reassurance key to harmonious India

On writing a letter to Narendra Modi, Khuehami said the Prime Minister is the elected leader of our country, who enjoys immense mass appeal and carries enormous influence across India.

“People listen to him and look up to him. His words have the power to unite minds and heal divisions. If the Prime Minister appeals to the nation to treat Kashmiris fairly and equally, it will have a transformative impact. Such a message can dispel misconceptions, reduce prejudice, and restore trust at the grassroots level,” he said during the press conference.

Upon writing a letter to the Prime Minister, Khuehami said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is the elected leader of our country. He enjoys immense mass appeal and carries enormous influence across India.

A clear message and public reassurance from the Prime Minister can pave the way for more inclusive and harmonious India, Kashmiri students said.