Safety of Kashmiri Students in Pune Under Threat; Sarhad Urges Immediate Police Action
Pune, 26th April 2025: Amid growing concerns over the safety of Kashmiri students in Pune, Sarhad — an organization working for the rehabilitation of students and women from Jammu and Kashmir — has appealed to Police Commissioner Amitesh Kumar for urgent intervention.
Sarhad, which has been actively working for over 30 years, runs several initiatives in Kashmir and has facilitated the relocation of numerous students and youth from Jammu and Kashmir to Pune. The organization highlighted that in recent months, there have been multiple incidents of threats specifically targeting Kashmiris.
In a statement, Sarhad pointed out that in October 2024, quick action by Bharati Vidyapeeth Police saved the lives of several Kashmiri students during two major incidents of intimidation.
Following the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, many Kashmiri students, who had returned from visiting their home state, have been assisting tourists from Maharashtra and other parts of India. However, since April 23, Sarhad has reported receiving complaints of threatening messages aimed at Kashmiri students through social media and other communication channels.
Given the tense atmosphere, Sarhad has made an urgent appeal for Commissioner Kumar’s direct involvement. The organization has requested heightened vigilance by the police to ensure the safety of Kashmiri students across the city. They have also suggested appointing a senior police officer as a dedicated coordinator to maintain effective communication and ensure swift responses to any threats.
“The safety and mental well-being of Kashmiri students must be protected, especially during these sensitive times,” Sarhad emphasized in its appeal.
