Following the tragic terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, that claimed 26 lives on April 22, the Jammu and Kashmir Students Association (JKSA) has issued a crucial advisory to Kashmiri students across India. The advisory urges them to stay indoors, avoid public confrontations, and refrain from engaging in inflammatory or political content online. The association’s call comes amid rising tensions and increasing harassment faced by Kashmiri students in various parts of the country. The association stressed the importance of staying vigilant and prioritizing their safety during this volatile period.
The JKSA has strongly condemned the terror attack, describing it as “an act of cowardice and brutality,” and emphasized that “no cause, no ideology can ever justify such barbarity.” The attack has caused significant distress among the Kashmiri student community, particularly after a video surfaced online showing Kashmiri Muslim students in Uttarakhand being given an ultimatum to vacate their state. The video triggered widespread panic, not just in Dehradun but also in other parts of the country. Students have reported harassment, both direct and indirect, leading to a surge in distress calls to the association.
Students Urged to Keep Calm and Seek Help
JKSA National President Ummar Jamal reported that the association had received several distress calls, with students reaching out for help as late as 3 am. He emphasized the need for students to stay calm, remain indoors, and report incidents on social media platforms like Twitter. The association is also coordinating with local authorities to ensure the safety of students and has urged the Government of Jammu and Kashmir to intervene proactively to protect the student community.
The JKSA has set up a response team to provide timely assistance to Kashmiri students facing difficulties. The association has shared helpline numbers for students in need of support: 9149676014, 7006922289, 8825005327, 9906299199, and others. Additionally, the Jammu and Kashmir Resident Commission in Delhi has released 24X7 helpline numbers to assist students nationwide.
Solidarity with Victims’ Families
In its public statement, the JKSA expressed deep solidarity with the victims’ families of the Pahalgam attack. The association offered its prayers to those grieving and assured them of unwavering support during this challenging time. The JKSA also called on Kashmiri students to remain focused on their studies and avoid unnecessary bravado. The organization cautioned against being provoked by hate-mongers who may attempt to exploit this tragedy for political purposes.
