Bhopal/Srinagar, Aug 19 (JKNS): Two Kashmiri students pursuing pharmacy studies in Bhopal under the Prime Minister’s Special Scholarship Scheme (PMSSS) were allegedly harassed, intimidated and pressured to vacate their accommodation by fringe elements, with the situation brought under control following the intervention of the Jammu & Kashmir Students Association (JKSA) and Madhya Pradesh Police.
Two Kashmiri students studying in Bhopal were allegedly subjected to harassment, intimidation and pressure to vacate their accommodation by fringe elements. The matter has since been addressed and brought under control following the timely intervention of the Jammu & Kashmir Students Association (JKSA) and Madhya Pradesh Police, association said in a statement issued here to news agency JKNS.
The students, who are pursuing pharmacy studies in Bhopal under the Prime Minister’s Special Scholarship Scheme (PMSSS), approached JKSA after allegedly facing pressure from certain local residents and individuals who, according to their representation, objected to their presence in the area because they are from Jammu & Kashmir and are Muslims.
The alleged pressure was also reportedly extended to their landlord. The students alleged that the landlord was warned to evict them and that, if they were not removed, the individuals involved could forcibly enter the premises and throw the students out.
Concerned over the students’ safety and security, JKSA National Convenor Nasir Khuehami raised the matter with Madhya Pradesh Director General of Police Kailash Makwana and sought his immediate intervention.
DGP Makwana took strong note of the matter and assured JKSA that no individual would be permitted to take the law into their own hands or harass, intimidate or threaten Kashmiri students. He directed Bhopal Police Commissioner Sanjay Kumar to intervene promptly and ensure the safety, security and well-being of the students.
Following the DGP’s intervention, a police team led by ACP concerned, along with Nishatpura SHO Manoj Patwa, visited the students at their residence, met them and heard their concerns. The students were assured of complete safety and security.
Police also questioned individuals allegedly involved in threatening, intimidating or pressuring the students and called them to the police station for further inquiry. Residents of the concerned society were counselled regarding the need to maintain peace, communal harmony and non-discrimination and were cautioned against indulging in any discriminatory or intimidating conduct.
Khuehami said action is being also initiated against fringe elements allegedly found responsible for creating pressure, fear or intimidation, and that legal proceedings would follow against anyone found to have violated the law. He said the police intervention has helped resolve the immediate situation and restore confidence among the students.
“The matter has now been brought under control following the prompt intervention of DGP Kailash Makwana and the Bhopal Police. The students have been assured that they will be able to live peacefully, move around freely, walk in the area, meet people, attend college and carry out their day-to-day activities normally, just like any other resident.”
Khuehami appreciated DGP Kailash Makwan, Bhopal Police Commissioner Sanjay Kumar and DCP Bhopal Zone IV Adarsh Shukla, SHO Manoj Patwa for taking immediate cognisance of the matter. “Their intervention has sent a clear message that no one can take the law into their own hands or target students because of their Kashmiri identity or religion,” he said.
JKSA reiterated that Kashmiri students studying outside Jammu & Kashmir are equal citizens of India and must be able to pursue their education without fear, intimidation or discrimination.
“No student should ever be forced to choose between their safety and education. Students from Jammu & Kashmir travel across the country to build their future, and they deserve to live, study and move freely with dignity. Identity, region or religion cannot be a basis for harassment, intimidation or exclusion,” Khuehami said.
Association also appreciated DGP Kailash Makwana for reiterating that Jammu & Kashmir is an integral and equal part of India and that its people are equal citizens of the country, entitled to the same rights, protection and dignity as citizens from any other state or Union Territory.
“The swift response of the Madhya Pradesh Police has reinforced our faith in the administration and in the principle that the rule of law must prevail over prejudice, intimidation and identity-based discrimination,” Khuehami added. (JKNS)
