Kashmiri Students Face Retaliatory Attacks Across India Following Pahalgam Terror Attack

Following the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, that left 25 tourists and one local youth dead, a disturbing wave of violence and harassment has swept across several Indian states targeting Kashmiri students. The Kashmir Students Association (JKSA) has reported multiple incidents of intimidation, eviction, and physical assault, creating an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty for students far from home.

The JKSA has so far documented at least eight cases across states like Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, and Uttar Pradesh. In Dehradun, Uttarakhand, a disturbing video circulated online by members of the Hindu Raksha Dal threatened Kashmiri students with violence if they did not vacate the city immediately. Many students, frightened by the ultimatum, fled their hostels and made their way to the airport under duress.

One of the most serious incidents occurred at the Universal Group of Institutions in Derabassi near Chandigarh. According to reports, a group of intruders broke into the hostel premises around midnight and attacked Kashmiri students with sharp weapons. At least one student was seriously injured. Several videos have also surfaced on social media showing extremist individuals dressed in saffron garments issuing threats and chanting hateful slogans directed at Kashmiri Muslims.

In Himachal Pradesh, students reported being labeled as “terrorists” by peers and forced to abandon their lodgings. Meanwhile, in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, landlords have reportedly asked Kashmiri tenants to vacate their accommodations, citing safety concerns. These actions have led many students and workers to leave in fear, despite having no connection to the tragic events in Pahalgam.

In response, the JKSA has written to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, appealing for immediate intervention. The association condemned the Pahalgam attack unequivocally but expressed deep concern over the unjust backlash faced by innocent students. The letter called for a nationwide advisory ensuring the protection of Kashmiri students, strict legal action against those inciting or engaging in hate crimes, the establishment of a dedicated helpline for Kashmiri students to report incidents of harassment, and stronger initiatives to foster inclusivity and communal harmony within educational institutions.

Political leaders and rights groups have responded with alarm. The Communist Party of India (Marxist), in a statement issued on April 25, warned that such acts of communal violence only serve the interests of terrorist groups by deepening national divisions. The party urged the authorities to act firmly against those stirring hatred and undermining social cohesion.

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah confirmed that his administration has been coordinating with officials in other states to ensure the safety of students. He also released emergency contact numbers for students seeking help. Mehbooba Mufti, echoed the call for central intervention, urging the Union government to step in decisively to prevent further targeting of Kashmiris across the country.

The JKSA has also issued a general advisory urging students to stay indoors, avoid confrontation, and refrain from posting inflammatory content on social media platforms. The association reiterated its condemnation of the Pahalgam attack and extended condolences to the victims’ families, stressing that terrorism has no religion and no justification.

As communal tensions threaten to spiral, voices from across the political spectrum have urged calm, unity, and swift justice—not only for the victims of the attack but also for those now facing unjustified reprisals.