Bhopal: Authorities in Madhya Pradesh have taken cognisance of allegations that two Kashmiri students in Bhopal were harassed, threatened and pressured to vacate their rented accommodation because they were from Jammu & Kashmir and belonged to the Muslim community.
The development came two days after the Jammu and Kashmir Students Association (JKSA) raised the matter with the Madhya Pradesh Police and sought immediate intervention.
According to the JKSA, the issue has now been resolved following the intervention of Madhya Pradesh Director General of Police Kailash Makwana, an IPS officer of 1988 batch, who directed the Bhopal Police to ensure the safety of the students.
The students, who are pursuing pharmacy courses in Bhopal under the Prime Minister’s Special Scholarship Scheme (PMSSS), had approached the association after allegedly facing objections and intimidation from people in their neighbourhood.
Students Allegedly Pressured to Leave Accommodation
According to the complaint brought before the JKSA, neighbours and some other individuals allegedly objected to the students’ presence in the neighbourhood because they were from Jammu & Kashmir and Muslims.
The students alleged that their landlord was also pressured to evict them from the accommodation.
They further claimed that they were threatened with forcible removal if they did not leave the premises.
The situation reportedly created considerable fear and anxiety for the students, who were pursuing their studies away from home.
Students Could Not Attend Classes Freely
The alleged threats also affected the students’ ability to continue their academic routine.
According to JKSA, the two students were unable to travel to their college to attend classes or move freely because of the pressure and threats they were facing.
The students were studying in Bhopal under the PMSSS, a scholarship programme aimed at providing educational opportunities to students from Jammu & Kashmir in institutions outside the Union Territory.
The association said the situation raised serious concerns regarding the safety and well-being of students studying away from their home region.
JKSA Raises Matter With DGP Kailash Makwana
JKSA National Convenor Nasir Khuehami brought the matter to the attention of DGP Kailash Makwana, seeking immediate intervention and protection for the students.
The DGP took cognizance of the complaint and directed the Bhopal Police to take appropriate steps to ensure the students’ safety.
Makwana also reiterated that no individual would be allowed to take the law into their own hands or intimidate students on the basis of their origin or religion.
He instructed Bhopal Police Commissioner Sanjay Kumar to ensure adequate protection for the students.
Police Team Visits Students’ Residence
Acting on the DGP’s directions, a police team led by the concerned Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) and Nishatpura SHO Manoj Patwa visited the students at their residence.
The police officers spoke to the students, heard their concerns and assured them of their safety and protection.
The intervention was aimed at restoring the students’ confidence and allowing them to continue their academic activities without fear.
Individuals Allegedly Involved in Threats Questioned
Police also questioned and summoned individuals who were allegedly involved in threatening or intimidating the students.
Authorities also counselled residents of the housing society on the importance of communal harmony and non-discrimination.
According to the JKSA, police have initiated action against those identified in the complaints, and legal proceedings will follow against anyone found culpable after the relevant inquiry.
The association said the police response had helped address the immediate concerns of the students.
JKSA Welcomes Police Response
Nasir Khuehami welcomed the intervention by the Madhya Pradesh Police, saying that the prompt response had helped restore the students’ confidence.
He stressed that Kashmiri students studying outside Jammu & Kashmir are equal citizens and are entitled to safety, dignity and protection under the law.
“The swift response of the Madhya Pradesh Police has reinforced faith in the administration and the rule of law,” Khuehami said.
He also emphasised the need to ensure that students pursuing education outside their home region are able to study and live without fear or discrimination.
Police Action Brings Relief to Students
The latest intervention has brought relief to the two students, who had reportedly been under pressure following the alleged threats and attempts to force them out of their accommodation.
With police assuring their protection and initiating action against those named in the complaints, the students are expected to continue their pharmacy studies in Bhopal.
The incident has also brought attention to the concerns faced by students from Jammu & Kashmir studying in other parts of the country and the importance of ensuring their safety and equal treatment irrespective of their region or religion.
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