Pulwama Attack Aftermath: Kashmiris Threatened and Attacked in Dehradun and Jammu

In the aftermath of the Pulwama attack on February 14, in which at least 40 CRPF personnel were killed, India has been engulfed in different kinds of reactions. In some parts of the country, extreme nationalistic jingoism and protests took place, while in certain places, protests were deliberately turned against Kashmiri students.

Speaking to NewsClick, a Kashmiri student studying in Dehradun said, “Since yesterday we are receiving threats from the members of Vishwa Hindu Parishad and Bajrang Dal who have given us 24 hours ultimatum to leave Dehradun, else we will be killed. They have also threatened several institutions to send all enrolled Kashmiri students back to Kashmir.”

Around a thousand Kashmiri students are studying in various colleges of Uttarakhand including Dehradun. Nasir Khuehami, spokesperson of the Jammu and Kashmir Students in the state, said, “Nearly 12 students have been beaten up by right-wing activists and are hospitalised. The students were beaten-up when they were returning after offering the Friday namaz.”

It all started when a first year Kashmiri student at a private medical college in Dehradun was expelled for writing an objectionable Facebook post. The post was written hours after CRPF personnel were attacked and killed in Pulwama yesterday.

Also Read: Kashmiri Shopkeepers ‘Attacked’ in Patna, Asked to Leave Bihar

Following the threats to Kashmiri students, the centre has asked all states to ensure the safety and security of the students and people living in their areas, as reported in The Times of India. The advisory was issued on Saturday, following an all party meeting where Home Minister Rajnath Singh was present, the TOI quoted an official from the Home Ministry as saying.

Meanwhile, in Jammu, despite curfew, mob attacked quarters belonging to Kashmiris in Janipur area of Jammu. The GNS reported a Kashmiri person as saying, “The mob entered inside the premises and attacked quarters of Kashmiris while police remained a mute spectator.”

Secretariat Employees Union President Ghulam Rasool Mir urging the administration to take immediate action, said, “This is highly condemnable. There are brazen attempts to damage the communal harmony and brotherhood. The administration must swing into some action to ensure that such attacks are stopped instantly, and the life and property of Kashmiris and other innocents are protected.”

Yesterday, reportedly 10 cars belonging to Muslim community were burnt to ashes and 80 cars were damaged as a mob belonging to VHP and Bajrang Dal members took out a procession against the attack in the Gujjar Nagar area. Violence also erupted in several other places in Jammu including Shahidi chowk, Janipur, Purani Mandi, Pacca Danga, Rehari, Residencey road, New Plot, Gummat, Prem Nagar and Narwal.

Read More: Kashmiris Reel Under Impact of Pulwama Terror Attack, Violence in Jammu