‘They’ve known us since we joined college’ – In Dehradun, shocked Kashmiri students leave campus following threats & heckling

Kashmiri Students Forced to Flee Dehradun Campus Amid Threats

In Dehradun, several Kashmiri students had to leave their campus after facing threats and harassment. This incident occurred shortly after a terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir heightened tensions across India. The students, who had been attending college peacefully, were caught off guard when a threatening video spread on social media.

The Threat Video and Rising Panic

The video featured Lalit Sharma, a leader of the Hindu Raksha Dal. In the video, he warned Kashmiri Muslims to leave Uttarakhand by 10 AM, or they would face consequences. His words quickly caused panic among the students. Fearing for their safety, many decided to leave their hostels and find refuge in safer places, including Jolly Grant Airport.

Harassment and Heckling on Campus

Several students described being targeted simply because of their Kashmiri identity. One student expressed, “We’ve been here since our first year. Many of us have made lifelong friends. To suddenly be vilified because of our origins is terrifying.” These incidents left the students feeling vulnerable and unsafe in a place they once called home.

Condemnation and Support from Student Associations

The Jammu and Kashmir Students Association condemned the harassment. They called it a direct attack on the students’ right to education and safety. The association emphasized that this behavior reflected a larger issue of discrimination against students from the region. As news of the incident spread, many student organizations and social media users rallied in support of the affected students.

Authorities Respond to the Threat

In response, Uttarakhand police took swift action. They registered an FIR against Lalit Sharma for inciting religious violence. The police assured the public that they were increasing security measures to protect Kashmiri students. Authorities promised to ensure that students from all regions could study safely in Dehradun and across India.

The Need for a Safer Environment

This situation raises an important question: how can educational institutions foster a safer and more inclusive environment? The recent threats highlight the need for stronger protections against regional and religious intolerance in schools and universities. Students deserve to feel secure and respected, no matter where they come from.