In wake of increased attacks of Kashmiri students in different parts of India, the students from Kashmir Valle have come together and have formed a Union in Chandigarh that will be called Kashmir Students Union (KSU). “In wake of recent attacks, we have been extremely worried and hence we came together to form an association of Kashmiri students in Chandigarh which will work for welfare of students and ensure their safety and security,” said Syed Farman Safvi, General Secretary, Kashmir Students Union Chandigarh. Kashmir Students Union Chandigarh (KSU), affiliated to Punjab University Students Union (PUSU), is the brainchild of a group of Kashmiri students in Chandigarh, who have been concerned over the alarmingly growing rate of attacks on Kashmiri students in many Northern and Southern states of India.
The prime objective behind KSU, according to its founders, is to work for the welfare of Kashmiri students enrolled in various colleges of Chandigarh and take up their issues with relevant authorities. “We are aware of the numerous problems faced by Kashmiri students in different parts of India, especially with attacks on Kashmiri students in Rajasthan, Bangalore and more recently in neighbouring Haryana,” says Syed Farman Safvi, a co-founder of KSU and B.Tech student at Doaba Institute.
“The sole purpose of forming KSU is to ensure Kashmiri students in Chandigarh feel safe and secure and don’t have to face any problems in their respective colleges.” In recent months, Kashmiri students have been attacked in many parts of India which has created a sense of insecurity among Kashmiri students in Chandigarh, says AdilBhat, another co-founder of KSU who is also associated with PUSU. “In such an environment, it is difficult for students to focus on studies.
That’s what prompted us to form a Kashmiri students union that will tirelessly work for the welfare and safety of Kashmiri students studying in different colleges of Chandigarh.” Apart from safety and security, Kashmiri students in Chandigarh have in the past complained of many problems related to fee structure, accommodation, studies etc. “Every time Kashmiri students have faced any problem, we have approached university authorities and got them resolved,” says Shuja Abbas, a co-founder and BTech student at Doaba Institute.
“Now, with this union, we hope to pursue the cases of students more vigorously and ensure all problems are redressed without any dilly-dallying.” KSU will also help Kashmiri students get admission in Chandigarh colleges without any hassles. “We have taken it upon ourselves to help Kashmiri students get admission in Chandigarh and look after their welfare,” says Farman Safvi. “As Kashmiris, we believe it is our responsibility to help our brothers and sisters who are miles away from home and have no local guardians. After all, unity is strength and the spirit of camaraderie goes a long way.”