Srinagar, Aug 18 (KNO): The Jammu & Kashmir Students Association (JKSA) has sought Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav’s intervention into the alleged harassment and intimidation of two Kashmiri students pursuing pharmacy studies in Bhopal.
In a statement issued to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), JKSA said its National Convenor Nasir Khuehami had received a representation from the two students regarding their alleged harassment and intimidation in Korand Gandhi Nagar, Bhopal.
The students are pursuing pharmacy studies at TRUBA Institute of Pharmacy, Bhopal, after being selected under the Prime Minister’s Special Scholarship Scheme (PMSSS). Although hostel accommodation was allotted to them under the scheme, the college currently does not have hostel facilities available for them. Consequently, they have been residing in paying guest accommodation in the area since last year.
“The students have alleged that certain members of the local colony/society and other individuals have been continuously pressuring their landlord to evict them because they are from Jammu & Kashmir and are Muslims. They further allege that the landlord was warned that, if the students were not removed, the concerned individuals could forcibly enter the premises and throw them out,” Khuehami said.
JKSA said the allegations are particularly concerning as the situation has reportedly created a sense of fear among the students. According to their representation, they have become so fearful that they are unable to leave their accommodation freely, travel normally or even attend college.
The Association said the alleged intimidation has begun to directly affect not only their safety and well-being but also their education.
The students have reportedly approached the college authorities seeking assistance, but according to their representation, their concerns have not received adequate attention. They have consequently been left uncertain about their immediate safety, accommodation and ability to continue their studies without fear.
Khuehami, in his letter, urged the Madhya Pradesh Government to direct the Bhopal Police and district administration to immediately intervene, 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 neither student be compelled to vacate their present accommodation through intimidation or pressure until the allegations have been properly examined and a safe alternative has been 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, ensuring 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 who travel 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. 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,” he said.
The Association appealed to the Madhya Pradesh Government to act promptly, before the situation escalates, and ensure that the two students are protected, provided with safe accommodation and able to continue their education without disruption.
It said timely intervention would not only safeguard the two students but also reinforce confidence among Kashmiri students and others from across India who come to Madhya Pradesh to pursue higher education—(KNO)