Kashmiri Muslim students face harassment, eviction threats in India’s Bhopal
Bhopal: Two Kashmiri students pursuing pharmacy studies in Bhopal in BJP-ruled Madhya Pradesh are facing continuous harassment, intimidation and pressure to vacate their accommodation because of their Kashmiri and Muslim identity, raising fresh concerns over the safety of Kashmiris studying or working outside Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).
According to Kashmir Media Service, the two students are enrolled at TRUBA Institute of Pharmacy, Bhopal, and have been living in a paying guest accommodation at Shanti Homes Colony, Korand Gandhi Nagar, since last year.
The IIOJK Students Association said some local residents and other individuals have been pressuring the landlord to evict the students solely because they are from Kashmir and are Muslims.
The association said that the landlord was also warned that the individuals could forcibly enter the premises and remove the students if he failed to evict them.
It said threats had left the students fearful of leaving their accommodation, travelling or attending college, raising concerns about both their safety and education.
The students reportedly approached their college authorities seeking assistance, but the association said they failed to provide adequate support or intervention.
The association urged authorities to intervene immediately to ensure the students’ safety and enable them to continue their studies without intimidation, harassment or discrimination. It also called for protection of all Kashmiri students from threats based on their religion, identity or place of origin.
The incident has renewed concerns over the treatment of Kashmiri Muslims studying and working across India. Over the years, Kashmiri students and traders have faced harassment, intimidation, assaults and pressure to leave, by Hindutva men, prompting Kashmiri politicians and human rights advocates to repeatedly call for their protection. However, such incidents continue to surface from time to time.
