Srinagar, Nov 17, KDC: The Jammu and Kashmir Students Association (JKSA) on Monday alleged that Kashmiri students across several northern states are facing profiling, intimidation, and eviction in the aftermath of the Red Fort blast in Delhi. The Association urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to publicly intervene and reassure citizens to prevent what it termed the “collective suspicion” of Kashmiri youth.
Addressing a press conference at the Press Club of India, JKSA National Convenor Nasir Khuehami said Kashmiri students were being subjected to increased scrutiny in universities and residential areas in Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Rajasthan and Delhi.
“A particular community is being targeted after the attack. Several Kashmiri students have been harassed by authorities and local residents, and many landlords have asked Kashmiri tenants to vacate rooms. Some students have already returned home out of fear,” Khuehami said.
While expressing deep sorrow over the loss of lives in the blast, he said Kashmiris “unequivocally condemn this barbaric act of terror,” adding that the tragedy has shaken households across Jammu and Kashmir. “Their pain is our pain; their grief is the nation’s grief,” he said.
Khuehami stressed that Kashmiri students have consistently rejected separatism, secessionism, radicalisation and any ideology aimed at dividing India. “We have never endorsed violence. Our commitment to peace, unity and national integrity is firm,” he added.
He said Kashmiris have made meaningful contributions to the nation and highlighted that many families from the region have “stood on the borders and given their blood for India’s sovereignty.” He added that Kashmiris travelling across the country have largely experienced warmth and respect.
The JKSA said it fully supports the ongoing investigation and wants those responsible to be brought to justice. “Anyone involved in this heinous act is neither a friend of Kashmir nor of any religious community. Terror has no religion or identity,” he said.
Khuehami, however, said that innocent students must not be made to bear the burden of suspicion. “Collective blame does not strengthen national security; fairness and justice do. We have full faith in our national institutions, but investigations must proceed with balance and sensitivity.”
He said the blast has created fear among Kashmiri students, with reports of “aggressive verification drives, questioning, and profiling” in some institutions. “Several students have left campuses abruptly, affecting their studies and exams.”
The JKSA said it has written to Prime Minister Modi requesting a public message to prevent stigmatization. “The Prime Minister carries immense influence. If he appeals to citizens to treat Kashmiris fairly and equally, it will have a transformative impact,” Khuehami said, adding that such reassurance would help “restore trust at the grassroots level.”
The Association urged the government to instruct universities, employers and local administrations to ensure the safety of Kashmiri students and to take strict action against those attempting to create communal discord.
Khuehami cautioned against the rise of online misinformation after the blast. “Within hours, social media was flooded with insinuations targeting Muslims, particularly Kashmiri youth. A climate has emerged in which Kashmiris are viewed as latent threats expected to prove their loyalty repeatedly,” he said, calling such collective suspicion “unjust and dangerous.”
He said Kashmiris must be assured that they are equal citizens protected by constitutional rights. “Humane communication and confidence-building measures are essential to restore calm and rebuild trust,” he said. (KDC)
