Community leaders arranged food, shelter, and protection for stranded students
Srinagar, April 28: Several Kashmiri students studying in Punjab returned home after facing harassment and security concerns. The students were assisted by the Sikh community, including members of the Akali Dal Amritsar, USSF, SAATH, Misal Satluj who coordinated their safe passage some where dropped to airport some where transported to Srinagar,
Speaking to Kashmir Bulletin(KB), Sanan, a student from Srinagar, said, “I am thankful to the Akali Dal community, Sabar Grave Incident team, and Punjab Police for their support. They stayed with us all night like security guards until we crossed Lakhanpur.”
Sanan said the situation in Punjab was tense after posters and videos went viral, portraying Kashmiri students as terrorists. “We were harassed daily. People called us terrorists. We felt unsafe,” Sanan said.
He added that many students stayed locked inside their rooms, bringing food secretly to avoid confrontation.
“We wanted to leave because our families were worried,” Sanan said. “Even when we went out in a cab with a girl to the airport, we were scared.”
Describing the conditions in their residential societies, another student said, “There was a lady who told us Kashmiris are terrorists and asked us to leave.” Students said they often paid shopkeepers online to avoid stepping outside.
“There was even a case where a boy was killed, and we felt extremely unsafe,” a student said.
The students requested help from the local police and community members. “The SHO and DSP of Punjab, along with Khalsa members, assured us of our safety and food,” Sanan said.
A volunteer coordinating the students’ return said, “I don’t think any community helped us as much as the Sikh community did.” He added, “Financial help aside, they coordinated everything day and night.”
The volunteer said helpline numbers set up by the administration were ineffective. “When we called the helpline numbers, they either did not answer or said they were only for threats,” he said.
Angad, a social activist involved in the coordination, said, “Many organizations, including Nazariya Foundation and Vicky Singh, helped arrange transportation.” He said some government efforts were ongoing but described the situation as uncertain.
When asked about communal tensions linked to the incident, Angad said, “There are good people and bad people. Life teaches through experiences. We should not give collective punishment.”
The students said they were relieved to be home and hoped to return to their studies once the situation stabilizes.(KB).
