Kashmiri Students Face Threats in India Following Pahalgam Incident

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Kashmiri Muslims Rally Against Tourist Killings

A protest took place in Kashmire on April 23, 2025, in response to the tragic killing of tourists by gunmen in Pahalgam, located about 90 kilometers from Srinagar, Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). The protest was marked by the condemnation of the violence that claimed the lives of 26 individuals, primarily Indian nationals and one Nepali.

Witnesses reported that the assailants focused their attacks on men, choosing to spare those who could recite the Islamic declaration of faith, a claim circulated by Indian media outlets.

Following this violent incident, students in states such as Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, and Himachal Pradesh faced intimidation and harassment, according to a statement from the Jammu and Kashmir Students Association, led by convenor Nasir Khuehami. He mentioned that students were instructed to vacate their rented accommodations or university hostels immediately.

At a university in Himachal Pradesh, some students experienced harassment, with reports of physical assaults and forced entry into hostels. Khuehami noted that students were derogatorily labeled as "terrorists." He emphasized that this issue extended beyond mere safety concerns; it reflected a targeted campaign of hatred against students from a specific ethnic background.

In the capital of Uttarakhand, Dehradun, around 20 students sought refuge at the airport after receiving threats from a fringe right-wing group known as the Hindu Raksha Dal. This group warned Kashmiri Muslim students to leave town or face severe consequences.

Since 1989, individuals advocating for independence or a merger with Pakistan have engaged in a sustained struggle in IIOJK. In response to the recent violence, Indian security forces have initiated a widespread manhunt for the attackers, resulting in numerous detentions.

On Wednesday, New Delhi accused Islamabad of harboring "cross-border terrorism," leading to a series of diplomatic escalations in their relations. Pakistan has categorically denied involvement in the incident in Pahalgam.