Pahalgam attack: Punjab universities step up vigil amid alleged attacks on Kashmiri students
Educational institutions across Punjab have heightened vigilance following alleged incidents where Kashmiri students in other states were targeted in the aftermath of Pahalgam terror attack.
Two such alleged cases have been reported in Punjab—one in Kharar and another in Dera Bassi, according to the president of National Students' Union of India (NSUI).
The Central University of Punjab, Bathinda, that has around 2,800 students, including nearly 85 from Kashmir, has stepped up alert, despite no untoward incident.
'Our campus is very prosperous. No such issue has occurred here,' Sanjeev Thakur, director of Students' Welfare, said.
At Baba Farid Group of Institutions, Bathinda, Harpal Singh, Deputy Director, said that an awareness lecture was held on April 23—a day after the Pehalgam attack—addressed by Heena Singh, Deputy Superintendent of Police (Rural), along with other officials.
'The lecture focused on the importance of unity in diversity. Our hostel wardens have been instructed to remain vigilant, but no specific instructions are being issued to students as the situation remains peaceful,' he added.
Meanwhile, Isherpreet Singh Sidhu, NSUI president, Punjab unit, told The Indian Express: 'Two female students were harassed by some boys a day after the Pehalgam attack while they were returning to their PG after college in Kharar. The boys referenced the Pahalgam incident. I also received distress calls from students studying in a college in Dera Bassi.'
He said terrorism has no religion. 'We must maintain communal harmony in Punjab. We are committed to protecting our sisters, daughters, and even guests from other states. Students facing any harassment can reach out to me directly.'
He, however, alleged that local police have not yet taken appropriate action against the miscreants involved. The Indian Express tried contacting Deepak Parekh, Senior Superintendent of Police, Mohali, but he couldn't be reached out.
Punjab is home to several institutions that attract students from Jammu and Kashmir.
Kashmiri students are also enrolled in private medical colleges in Bathinda and other parts of Punjab. Several educational institutions in Punjab also conduct seminars in Jammu and Kashmir to encourage enrolment from the region.
In October 2021, a clash had occurred between students from Bihar and Kashmir in the hostel of the same institution following an India-Pakistan cricket match. However, the issue was resolved swiftly by the college management within a couple of days.
Meanwhile, the J&K students of Aryans Group of Colleges, Chandigarh, paid tributes to the victims of Pahalgam terror attack at Dal Lake, Srinagar, on Friday. In a gesture of solidarity, they organised a tribute ceremony on 26 Shikaras at Dal Lake, displaying posters 'United Against Terror.'
Mudasir Ahmad Sheikh, Aryans coordinator, said, Aryans Group Chandigarh has a diverse student strength from around 20 states. 'Aryans Group would provide free accommodation to any student facing difficulties until the situation normalized, he said in a statement.
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