Bhopal, Aug 18: The Jammu Kashmir Students Association has alleged that two Kashmiri students pursuing pharmacy studies in Bhopal under the Prime Minister’s Special Scholarship Scheme are facing harassment, intimidation and pressure to vacate their accommodation because of their Kashmiri and Muslim identity.
According to the association, the two students are studying at TRUBA Institute of Pharmacy, Bhopal. Hostel accommodation was allotted to them under the scholarship scheme, but the institution currently does not have hostel facilities available. The students have therefore been staying in a paying guest accommodation at Shanti Homes Colony, Korand Gandhi Nagar, since last year.
The association alleged that some local residents and other individuals have been pressuring the landlord to evict the students because they are from Kashmir and are Muslims.
It further alleged that the landlord was warned that the individuals could forcibly enter the premises and remove the students if they were not evicted.
The association said the situation has left the students fearful of leaving their accommodation, travelling or attending college.
The students reportedly approached their college authorities seeking assistance, but the association alleged that they did not receive adequate support or intervention.
The association said the students are now facing uncertainty over their safety as well as their ability to continue their education.
It called for immediate intervention to ensure the students' safety and enable them to continue their studies without intimidation or discrimination.
The association maintained that students should not have to choose between their education and personal safety, and urged authorities to ensure that no student faces threats or intimidation because of their religion, identity or place of origin.
