MP Police Intervene After Kashmiri Pharmacy Students Face

Allegations of harassment, intimidation and threats against two Kashmiri pharmacy students in Bhopal prompted the Madhya Pradesh police to intervene. The Jammu & Kashmir Students Association (JKSA) has written to Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav seeking his immediate intervention into allegations of harassment, intimidation and threats against two Kashmiri students pursuing pharmacy studies in Bhopal under the Prime Minister’s Special Scholarship Scheme (PMSSS).

In a letter dated August 18, JKSA national convenor Nasir Khuehami said the two students, who are studying at TRUBA Institute of Pharmacy after being selected under PMSSS, were currently living in rented accommodation in Bhopal, as the college does not have hostel facilities available to them.

The association alleged that “certain members of the local colony/society and other fringe elements” had been “continuously pressuring the students to evict them solely because they are from Jammu & Kashmir.” It further alleged that the students’ landlord had been warned that “if the students are not removed from the premises, the concerned individuals may forcibly enter the property and throw them out.”

Describing the situation as a matter concerning the students’ safety, dignity and educational continuity, the association said the students had conveyed that their fear had become “extremely vulnerable” and that they were uncertain about where they could safely stay and whether they could continue their education without fear.

Deputy Commissioner of Police, Bhopal Zone IV, Adarshkant Shukla told The Indian Express that a meeting took place between the police and society residents where they were advised to not indulge in discriminatory practices.

“We visited the two students and spoke to them. Residents and their landlord were assured there was no direct threat, prompting a request that they ensure the students remain on the premises. They were sensitised on this issue and asked not to indulge in any discriminatory practices,” Shukla said.

The JKSA had urged the Chief Minister’s office to direct the Bhopal police and district administration to “intervene immediately, speak directly with the students, verify the allegations on the ground, and take appropriate legal action against anyone found responsible”.

“Students from every part of India who come to the State for education are able to live and study in a safe, peaceful and welcoming environment,” the letter said, adding that Madhya Pradesh hosts students from “diverse regions, communities and backgrounds” and its educational institutions should remain spaces where young people can pursue their aspirations without fear.

The intervention comes amid rising tensions between India and Pakistan over Kashmir, with several incidents of violence reported in recent days. The JKSA has been vocal about the need for greater protection and support for students from Jammu & Kashmir pursuing education in other states.

“We will continue to monitor the situation and take all necessary steps to ensure the safety and well-being of our members,” Khuehami said in a statement. “The JKSA is committed to providing a safe and inclusive environment for all students, regardless of their background or identity.”

The incident highlights the challenges faced

“It’s not just about the students, it’s about creating an inclusive society where everyone feels safe and valued,” said Dr. Sajjad Hussaini, a senior faculty member at Aligarh Muslim University. “We need to recognize that education is a fundamental right, and no student should be forced to leave their studies due to fear or intimidation.”

The incident has sparked concerns among students and educators about the need for greater support and protection for minority communities pursuing education in India.

“This incident highlights the urgent need for greater awareness and action to prevent such incidents from happening in the future,” said Dr. Hussaini. “We need to work together to create a society where everyone feels safe, valued, and respected.”

The JKSA has called on the government to take immediate action to address the situation and provide greater protection and support for students from Jammu & Kashmir pursuing education in other states.

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“We urge the government to take concrete steps to prevent such incidents from happening in the future,” Khuehami said. “The JKSA will continue to work with the government and other stakeholders to ensure that our members receive the support and protection they deserve.”

The incident has also sparked concerns among human rights groups about the need for greater protection and support for minority communities pursuing education in India.

“This incident is a stark reminder of the challenges faced “We urge the government to take immediate action to address this situation and provide greater protection and support for these students.”

The JKSA has also called on the international community to take notice of the situation and provide greater support and solidarity with students from Jammu & Kashmir pursuing education in other states.

“We urge the international community to recognize the importance of protecting the rights of students from minority communities pursuing education in India,” Khuehami said. “We need greater awareness and action to prevent such incidents from happening in the future.”

The incident highlights the challenges faced

“It’s not just about the students, it’s about creating an inclusive society where everyone feels safe and valued,” said Dr. Sajjad Hussaini, a senior faculty member at Aligarh Muslim University. “We need to recognize that education is a fundamental right, and no student should be forced to leave their studies due to fear or intimidation.”

The incident has sparked concerns among students and educators about the need for greater support and protection for minority communities pursuing education in India.

“This incident highlights the urgent need for greater awareness and action to prevent such incidents from happening in the future,” said Dr. Hussaini. “We need to work together to create a society where everyone feels safe, valued, and respected.”

The JKSA has called on the government to take immediate action to address the situation and provide greater protection and support for students from Jammu & Kashmir pursuing education in other states.

“We urge the government to take concrete steps to prevent such incidents from happening in the future,” Khuehami said. “The JKSA will continue to work with the government and other stakeholders to ensure that our members receive the support and protection they deserve.”

The incident has also sparked concerns among human rights groups about the need for greater protection and support for minority communities pursuing education in India.

“This incident is a stark reminder of the challenges faced “We urge the government to take immediate action to address this situation and provide greater protection and support for these students.”

The JKSA has also called on the international community to take notice of the situation and provide greater support and solidarity with students from Jammu & Kashmir pursuing education in other states.