After Pahalgam Terror Attack, Kashmiri Students in Pune Face Threats—Sarhad Demands Immediate Action for Their Safety | ANI
Sarhad, a Pune-based social organization dedicated to supporting students and women from Jammu & Kashmir for over 30 years, has raised concerns regarding the safety of Kashmiri students residing in Pune on the backdrop of the Pahalgam terror attack which killed at least 26 people.
They wrote a letter addressed to the Commissioner of Police, Amitesh Kumar, and highlighted recent threats they received by Kashmiri youths through social media and other channels after the Pahalgam incident. The letter dated April 24 cited a tense atmosphere, which can lead to any kind of mishap, and they urge the police to appoint a senior officer to coordinate with the students.
Sanjay Nahar, founder of Sarhad, said, “After the Pahalgam attack, many Kashmiri students returned home to assist Maharashtrian and other tourists. However, in Pune, some students have been receiving threats. We have written to the commissioner to express our concern.”
Nahar confirmed that Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Union Minister Murlidhar Mohol assured that necessary intervention and full cooperation for the safety and security of the Kashmiri students living in Pune city will be provided.
Commissioner of Police Amitesh Kumar has scheduled a meeting with the students on Monday to address their concerns and discuss measures for their safety. After the meeting, the students are expected to hold a press conference to share their experiences.
CP meeting tomorrow
Akib Bhat, president of the Kashmiri Students’ Association in Pune, said, “Many students have received threats, at least 12 to 15 students have received threats through various social media platforms. We have 1,000 students from Kashmir here in Pune. Some of them went to Kashmir on vacation but now, after the incident, they are refusing to come back to Pune as they are scared to come back.”
He added, “And when we asked them why they were scared, they told us the incidents of Punjab where Kashmiri students were beaten. The students are meritorious, and they have come from Kashmir to study. I’m here in Pune for the past 20 years, yet my parents called and asked me to come back home. I told them there’s nothing to worry about, but just like other parents, mine are also scared that something bad can happen to us. Tomorrow CP has called us and we will be holding a meeting to provide safety to our students.”
