In the aftermath of the deadly Pulwama terror attack in Kashmir that left 40 Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) officials dead, several alleged incidents of violence and harassment against Kashmiris have been reported from many parts of the country.
In Dehradun, 20 female Kashmiri students on Saturday locked themselves up in one hostel room fearing a backlash from Hindu right-wing groups. The incident happened a day after 12 Kashmiri students were allegedly thrashed by members of Vishwa Hindu Parishad and Bajrang Dal. According to a report by The Indian Express, the students were surrounded by an angry mob which had asked them to apologise for allegedly posting objectionable content related to Pulwama attack on social media.
However, Uttarakhand Police, on the other hand, denied any such incidence of violence:
Don’t Believe In Rumours pic.twitter.com/4WpoSCq1zz
— Uttarakhand Police (@uttarakhandcops) February 16, 2019
On Friday, several VHP and Bajrang Dal activists allegedly attacked several Kashmiri students studying in various colleges across the city. “We will ensure that no Kashmir Muslim studies or stays here,” Vikas Verma, convenor, Bajrang Dal said, reports The Times of India.
The Pulwama attack, said to be one of the deadliest in recent times, was carried out by terror outfit Jaish-e-Mohammad. It has triggered a wave of counter reactions across many parts of the country. In Jammu, a curfew was imposed after angry mobs took to streets and torched vehicles during a bandh call in the wake of the attack. In Bihar’s Patna, many Kashmiri traders were assaulted by a mob of stick-yielding men, reports NDTV.
देश के बाहरी दुश्मनों से ज्यादा खतरनाक ये अंदर छिपे आस्तीन के सांप है
पहले इनका इलाज जरूरी है#KashmiriStudents #PulwamaAttack #Kashmiri @vinodsharma1834 @Abhishek_Mshra pic.twitter.com/xypiSKe9v3— विशांत त्यागी (@vishantghalouli) February 17, 2019
Meanwhile, various authorities have assured full protection to Kashmiris living outside the state and have appealed people to maintain peace.
#Kashmiri students and general public, presently out of #kashmir can contact @CRPFmadadgaar on 24×7 toll free number 14411 or SMS us at 7082814411 for speedy assistance in case they face any difficulties/harrasment. @crpfindia @HMOIndia @JKZONECRPF @jammusector @crpf_srinagar pic.twitter.com/L2Snvk6uC4
— CRPF Madadgaar (@CRPFmadadgaar) February 16, 2019
Security has been strengthened all across the National Capital including minority dominated areas. Visibility of police personnel has been increased. We’ll ensure the safety and security of every citizen including Kashmiri inhabitants and students living in Delhi.
— Madhur Verma (@IPSMadhurVerma) February 16, 2019
J&K #Police has established a #helpline for the #assistance of #Students/#generalpublic who are presently staying outside J&K in case they find any difficulty. You can call us for any kind of assistance on 0194-2451515. @JmuKmrPolice
— Kashmir Zone Police (@KashmirPolice) February 16, 2019
Many on social media also came forward to express their solidarity in an effort to maintain peace and calm in the country.
Students & #Kashmiris living in mumbai can DM me if in case they need any help or feel unsafe. my door is always open. U can stay with me till the time u want. I will protect u guys. #SOSKashmir
—(@Pooraans) February 16, 2019
Kashmiris in lucknow, if you are in trouble please contact me. A kind, generous heart is willing to accommodate people facing problems. I can accommodate upto 5-6 people.@Shehla_Rashid #SOSKashmir
— Aman Pandey (@hereisamanp) February 17, 2019
If any kashmiri students want shelter in navi Mumbai, panvel, then DM me, my doors always open for you#KashmiriStudents#SOSKashmir
— Ashish A Suryawanshi (@ashish20071208) February 17, 2019
Anyone needing help/shelter in Delhi can contact me.
Kashmiris are our people – family. And we will protect it. #SOSKashmir #SaveKashmiriPeople— saksham ranga (@sakshamr30) February 17, 2019
Any Kashmiri brother/sister in Ahmedabad , if you fear/suspect harm at your place, you can come to my place. Can have 4-6 people. Can arrange for more. My DM is open. Drop your number. I’ll call.#SOSKashmir
— Sunshine (@surajdeshwal) February 16, 2019
