Srinagar, Nov 17 (JKNS): The Jammu and Kashmir Students Association (JKSA) on Monday alleged that Kashmiri students across several northern states are facing profiling, eviction, and intimidation in the aftermath of the Red Fort blast in Delhi. The Association urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to publicly intervene and “call off the vilification” of the community.
Addressing a press conference at Press Club of India, National Convenor of Association Nasir Khuehami as per news agency JKNS said that “a particular community is being targeted after the attack,” adding that Kashmiri students are being harassed in universities and residential localities in Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Delhi.
“Kashmiri students believe in India’s democracy and mainstream values. They reject terrorism in all forms. Yet, they are being profiled and vilified by authorities and local residents. Many landlords have asked Kashmiri tenants to vacate their rooms, forcing several students to return home out of fear,” Khuehami said.
He expressed deep sorrow over the loss of innocent lives in the Delhi blast, which has shaken the entire nation. “We strongly and unequivocally condemn this barbaric act of terror. Our heartfelt condolences go to the bereaved families, and our thoughts are with all those who have suffered. Their pain is our pain; their grief is the nation’s grief,” he said. The shock of the tragedy has reverberated across every home in Jammu & Kashmir as well.
He further stressed that Kashmiri students have always rejected separatism, secessionism, radicalisation, and every ideology that seeks to divide or weaken India. “We have never condoned violence, nor endorsed any secessionist tendency. Our commitment to peace, unity, national integrity, and harmonious coexistence is unwavering.”
Highlighting Kashmiris’ contributions, he said that families from the region have made immense sacrifices for the nation. “Our people have stood on the borders, protected the country with courage, and given their blood for India’s sovereignty. Generations of Kashmiris have endured hardships with dignity, believing wholeheartedly in a future rooted in India’s unity and progress.”
He added that Kashmiris have travelled widely across the country and have been welcomed with warmth and respect. “We have never felt discriminated against because of our identity. In many places, we received more affection than we ever expected. Some of our own family members have been victims of terror multiple times, which only strengthens our resolve against violence.”
Khuehami said the Association is fully willing to cooperate with authorities to ensure the perpetrators are brought to justice. “Anyone involved in this heinous act directly or indirectly is neither a friend of Kashmir nor of any religious community. Terror has no religion, no region, and no identity. Those who believe such actions gain legitimacy in or around Kashmir are deeply mistaken. Kashmiris want peace, dignity, and harmony, within India and across South Asia.”
He reaffirmed that every Kashmiri is an Indian, unconditionally, and strongly opposed the harassment, profiling, intimidation, hate, prejudice, and bigotry that many Kashmiri students have faced since the blast. “Kashmiri students contribute to India through universities, hospitals, laboratories, technology centres, public institutions, start-ups, and numerous professional fields. They deserve safety, dignity, and reassurance that their identity will not be criminalised.”
He noted that while law-enforcement agencies must be allowed to investigate freely and thoroughly, innocent Kashmiris must not be made to bear the burden of suspicion. “Collective blame does not strengthen national security; unity, trust, fairness, and justice do. We have full faith in our national institutions and their integrity. Investigations must proceed with balance, sensitivity, and impartiality.”
Khuehami said that in the aftermath of the blast, fear and anxiety among Kashmiri students have grown significantly. “Reports of profiling, harassment, aggressive questioning, and sweeping verification drives, even in institutions unrelated to the case have deeply unsettled them. Many have left campuses abruptly, fearing stigma or unfair targeting, disrupting their studies, examinations, and academic responsibilities.”
Upon writing a letter to the Prime Minister, Khuehami said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is the elected leader of our country. He enjoys immense mass appeal and carries enormous influence across India. People listen to him and look up to him. His words have the power to unite minds and heal divisions. If the Prime Minister appeals to the nation to treat Kashmiris fairly and equally, it will have a transformative impact. Such a message can dispel misconceptions, reduce prejudice, and restore trust at the grassroots level.”
He added that a clear, public reassurance from the Prime Minister would strengthen national unity and ensure that Kashmiri students continue contributing meaningfully to India’s development and prosperity. “A message of equality and reassurance can pave the way for a more inclusive and harmonious India; an India where every Kashmiri feels protected, valued, and integral to the nation’s collective future.”
The Association stressed that Kashmiri students must be assured that they are equal citizens of India, protected by the same constitutional rights and dignity as anyone else. Families must feel confident about the safety of their children studying far from home. “Humane communication, confidence-building measures, and clear instructions to educational institutions and law-enforcement agencies will help restore calm and rebuild trust.”
He further noted that while the official response has been measured, much of the public reaction; especially online has been troubling. “Within hours of the blast, social media was flooded with insinuations aimed at Muslims, particularly Kashmiri youth. WhatsApp groups turned into informal ‘investigation panels’. Anonymous accounts recycled old prejudices. A climate has emerged in which Kashmiris are viewed as latent threats, expected to prove their loyalty repeatedly.”
He warned that such collective suspicion is unjust and dangerous. “A society that normalizes the othering of its minorities walks a perilous path. Alienation may remain silent for long, but when it surfaces, it harms the entire nation. Communal profiling strengthens neither national security nor national unity.”
Khuehami emphasised that strong statement from the Prime Minister is essential to acknowledge the anxieties of Kashmiri students, urge citizens not to circulate unverified rumours, and reaffirm constitutional protections. “This will help curb irresponsible statements and prevent the spread of hate. We also urge the Government to coordinate with universities, employers, and local administrations to ensure the safety and well-being of Kashmiris nationwide. Strict action must be taken against anyone attempting to create communal discord or instigate hostility.” (JKNS)
