‘Don’t go out': JKSA cautions Kashmiri students after Delhi bomb blast, sets up helpline

The Jammu and Kashmir Students Association (JKSA) has issued an advisory for Kashmiri students across India to remain vigilant during this sensitive period after the Delhi bomb blast. The association has advised them to avoid unnecessary movement, public gatherings, travel, or participation in politically-motivated discussions through any medium.

The advisory comes in the wake of reports of increased surveillance, alleged harassment and eviction of Kashmiris after the Delhi Red Fort blast. The association has received reports of profiling, harassment, and sudden eviction of Kashmiri students from accommodation, according to an official statement by the JKSA.

“Several Kashmiri students are being subjected to sweeping suspicion and discriminatory behaviour in the wake of the Red Fort blast in Delhi. Students in different states have reported aggressive verification drives, intimidating questioning, disturbances in hostels, and hostile conduct from certain local residents. Some have even been directed to vacate their rented rooms without notice, creating a climate of fear and insecurity among young students far from home,” the JKSA said.

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Aadit Bhat, national general secretary of JKSA, said that the identity of Kashmiri students, who contribute to India’s academic, scientific, and professional fields, must not be criminalised or viewed through a lens of suspicion.

“While law-enforcement agencies must be allowed to investigate the Delhi blast freely, innocent Kashmiris must not face fear or unjust treatment because of the actions of a few, the association stated.

Nasir Khuehami, national convenor of JKSA, said that the association has issued the following helpline numbers for Kashmiri students for immediate support.

Khuehami also informed through the statement that a dedicated 24x7 rapid-response coordination team has been established. The JKSA is in touch with university administrations, local police stations, and state authorities across the country to ensure Kashmiri students are not unfairly targeted or subjected to collective punishment.

“Unlawful evictions will be immediately taken up with relevant authorities, and urged students to report if they face pressure from landlords or hostel managements,” he added.

“The numbers are 9149676014, 7006922829, 8825005327, 9906299199, 6006169477, 7028642004, 98584 45900, 9682381865, 7006724372, 9906385143, 8126655697, 7006028306, 7780931010, 7889425033,” the statement included.