Srinagar, Aug 18, KDC: The Jammu & Kashmir Students Association (JKSA) has urged Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav to intervene immediately in the alleged harassment, intimidation and threats faced by two Kashmiri students pursuing pharmacy studies in Bhopal under the Prime Minister’s Special Scholarship Scheme (PMSSS).
In a statement issued on Tuesday, JKSA National Convenor Nasir Khuehami said the Association had received a representation from the two students alleging harassment and intimidation at Korand Gandhi Nagar in Bhopal.
The students are pursuing pharmacy studies at TRUBA Institute of Pharmacy, Bhopal, after being selected under PMSSS. According to the Association, hostel accommodation had been allotted to them under the scheme, but the college currently does not have hostel facilities available. As a result, the students have been staying in paying-guest accommodation in the area since last year.
Khuehami said the students had alleged that certain members of the local colony/society and other individuals were continuously pressuring their landlord to evict them because they are from Jammu & Kashmir and are Muslims.
The students further alleged that the landlord was warned that if they were not removed, the concerned individuals could forcibly enter the premises and throw them out, according to the JKSA statement.
The Association said the alleged intimidation had created a serious sense of fear among the students, who, according to their representation, have become reluctant to leave their accommodation, travel normally or attend college.
JKSA said the situation was consequently affecting not only the students’ safety and well-being but also their education.
According to the Association, the students had approached college authorities seeking assistance, but alleged that their concerns had not received adequate attention. They are now facing uncertainty over their immediate safety, accommodation and ability to continue their studies without fear, JKSA said.
In his letter to the Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister, Khuehami urged the state government to direct the Bhopal Police and district administration to intervene immediately, speak directly with the students and ensure their safety and security.
He also sought appropriate legal action against anyone found responsible for threats, intimidation, coercion or unlawful attempts to evict the students.
JKSA further requested that the students not be compelled to vacate their present accommodation through intimidation or pressure until the allegations are properly examined and a safe alternative is arranged.
Since hostel accommodation is reportedly unavailable, the Association urged the state government, district administration and college authorities to coordinate and facilitate safe and suitable accommodation near the institution so that the students’ education is not disrupted.
“The fact that a student is Kashmiri or Muslim cannot become a basis for denying them a safe place to live or study. They are Indian citizens studying in Madhya Pradesh and are entitled to the same protection, dignity and equal treatment as every other student,” JKSA said.
Khuehami stressed that students from Jammu & Kashmir travelling outside the Union Territory for education should be able to pursue their studies in a safe and welcoming environment.
“No student should ever have to choose between personal safety and education. No young person should be threatened, intimidated or made to feel unsafe because of their religion, region, identity or place of origin,” he said.
“Kashmiri students are equal citizens of India and have every right to study, live and pursue their dreams anywhere in the country with dignity and without fear,” Khuehami added.
The Association appealed to the Madhya Pradesh Government to act promptly before the situation escalates and ensure that the two students are protected, provided safe accommodation and allowed to continue their education without disruption.
JKSA said timely intervention would not only safeguard the two students but also reinforce confidence among Kashmiri students and others from across India who travel to Madhya Pradesh for higher education. (KDC)
