Pahalgam Terror Attack: Kashmiri Muslim students terrified, go in hiding as threatening videos demand exodus

NEW DELHI: Kashmiri Muslim students across several northern Indian cities are confined to their hostels after threatening videos from Hindu nationalist groups surfaced in the wake of the recent Pahalgam terror attack. While Hindu Raksha Dal released footage explicitly warning Kashmiri Muslims to evacuate Dehradun immediately, another video on social media set a Thursday 10-am deadline for students to leave the Uttarakhand capital.

Eight instances of students panicking, threatening and mob entering hostels have been reported from across Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand.

A video has surfaced on the internet released by Hindu Raksha Dal warning Kashmiri Muslim students to vacate Dehradun in the aftermath of terrorist attack in Pehalgam, a hill station in North Kashmir. Following this, Kashmiri Muslim students in Dehradun are scared to move out of their hostel rooms.

“Since last night we haven’t left our rooms. When our landlord forced us out this morning to get the flat’s rent, we were extremely scared,” a student from Alpine College, Dehradun, told Careers360 on condition of anonymity. The student mentioned hearing reports of physical assault on Kashmiri Muslim students in neighbouring Chandigarh and a march by right-wing groups in a nearby college.

On April 22, terrorists opened fire on tourists in Pahalgam’s Baisaran Valley killing 28 and injuring over 20. The Resistance Front (TRF), linked to the terror group Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), has claimed responsibility for the attack.

Pahalgam Attack: Hostel mobbed, students scared

Students are scared, said Faizan Peer, a member of the Jammu and Kashmir student association. On Wednesday, a day after the incident, the association received distress calls from students, youth working in Prayagraj, prompting them to reach out to Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath for immediate intervention.

Another video surfaced on social media on Thursday threatening Kashmiri Muslim students to “leave Dehradun city by 10”. In response, Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Omar Abdullah has promised to ensure student safety. “The J-K government is in touch with the governments of the states where these reports are originating from. I’m also in touch with my counterpart chief ministers in these states & have requested they take extra care,” his post on X (formerly Twitter) said.

Further the association said, “We are in constant touch with the J-K CM office… The J-K govt is fully cooperating with us in the best possible way. We request Kashmiri students to not to panic, and send us your queries on our helpline numbers.”

Reports from Dera Bassi’s University Group of Institutes, Chandigarh, also alleged a midnight attack with sharp weapons inside a student hostel, with the association confirming the incident.

In one of the posts, a member of the association explained: “Students said locals and other students forcefully entered the hostel at midnight, targeting Kashmiri students with sharp weapons. Their clothes were torn, and at least one student sustained serious injuries. Shockingly, the college security remained passive during the entire episode Even …Punjab Police did not provide timely protection or assistance. Over 100 Kashmiri students are enrolled in this institution. Request Punjab chief minister Bhagwant Mann to take immediate and strict action against the perpetrators…, and ensure the safety, security and dignity of all Kashmiri students in Punjab. “

Gaurav Yadav, director general Punjab Police took cognizance of the matter. “Local police have been directed to initiate appropriate legal action as per law. Any attempt to incite hatred, disturb communal harmony will not be tolerated,” he said in a social media post.

Peer stated that as of now students are fine. “Sudents have been taken to a safe undisclosed location. They have received minor injuries but the situation is fine now,” he said.

Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, chairman of All Parties Hurriyat Conference also showed concern. “Urge the concerned authorities to immediately intervene and ensure their safety and protection,” he said.

Support to Kashmiri students

The Jammu and Kashmir student association, early on Wednesday, created a Whatsapp group for Kashmiri Muslim students to provide support. The message read: “Kashmiri students, please get in touch immediately if you are facing any distressing situation. A dedicated response team is actively coordinating with authorities across the country to ensure your safety.” A few phone numbers followed. The group has more than 800 students and youth joining from across the country, with the number rising every hour.

The Government of Jammu and Kashmir Resident Commission has issued a statement with contact numbers for students in case of any help or assistance. “The students hailing from J&K, studying in different states, may contact the following telephone numbers of Jammu and Kashmir Resident Commission, New Delhi in case of any help/assistance. The mentioned numbers shall remain operational 24/7 for any kind of assistance,” the statement accessed by Careers360 stated. The numbers include Manager JK House, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi; Resident Commission J&k government among others. Jammu and Kashmir Medical Student’s Association reshared this statement.

One of the students from the group said former J-K chief minister Mehbooba Mufti has spoken to home minister Amit Shah. She has urged him to intervene “without delay to ensure their safety and protection.”

One of the members of the association has also spoken to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi. “Our member has spoken to the office of Rahul Gandhi. He has assured safety and security of students in Congress governed states and assured to take the issue up personally with the home minister.”

Peer said: “How is it the fault of students? We are drafting a letter to Amit Shah requesting strict action”.

Students are scared to travel to cities like Jammu and Delhi for the upcoming exams. “Students are afraid to travel even now,” said a member from the association.