Safety concerns rise for Kashmiri students in Pune following Pahalgam attack

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In the wake of the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, concerns regarding the safety of Kashmiri students in Pune have emerged, prompting an appeal for police assistance.Kashmiri students studying in the city have reached out to Pune Police Commissioner Amitesh Kumar, requesting intervention and enhanced security. In a letter dated April 24, they highlighted that some students received threats on social media following the Pahalgam incident. Given the tense atmosphere, they urged the police to appoint a senior officer to liaise with them.Sanjay Nahar, founder of Sarhad, an organization dedicated to the rehabilitation and welfare of Kashmiri students for over two decades, stated, “In the aftermath of the Pahalgam attack, many Kashmiri students returned home to help Maharashtrian and other tourists.

However, in Pune, some students have been receiving threats. We have written to the commissioner to express our concern.”Nahar also referenced recent attacks on Kashmiri students in Chandigarh and Uttarakhand, noting that such incidents have heightened anxiety among Kashmiri Muslim students in Pune. He pointed out that both online and offline threats have contributed to a growing sense of fear, making police protection essential to prevent any untoward incidents.

Nahar confirmed that Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Union Minister Murlidhar Mohol have assured that necessary interventions and full cooperation will be provided for the safety of Kashmiri students in Pune.In response to these concerns, Commissioner of Police Amitesh Kumar has scheduled a meeting with the students on Monday to discuss their safety and address their worries. Following this meeting, the students are expected to hold a press conference to share their experiences.Akib Bhat, president of the Kashmiri Students’ Association in Pune, noted that at least 12 to 15 students have received threats through various social media platforms.

The messages allegedly accuse Kashmiri students of supporting terrorism, exacerbating communal tensions. Bhat recounted a threatening message he received, which suggested that if Muslims kill Hindus for religious reasons, the same should happen to them.Bhat, who recently completed his BCA from Savitribai Phule Pune University, mentioned that some threats have come from individuals they know. Another student, Asif Dar, shared a similar experience, stating that he too has received threats online. Currently, over 1,000 Kashmiri students reside in Pune, although some have returned home at the end of the academic year.Bhat highlighted the seriousness of the situation, revealing that more than 200 Kashmiri students have already left Maharashtra due to the increasing unease, with many reluctant to return to complete their education.