Srinagar, 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 (PMSSS) are facing harassment, intimidation and pressure to vacate their rented accommodation allegedly because of their Kashmiri and Muslim identity.
According to the association, the students are enrolled at TRUBA Institute of Pharmacy, Bhopal. While hostel accommodation was allotted to them under the scholarship scheme, the institute currently does not have hostel facilities available, prompting the students to stay in a paying guest accommodation at Shanti Homes Colony in Korand Gandhi Nagar since last year.
The association alleged that members of the local colony or society, along with some other individuals, have been pressuring the landlord to evict the students on account of their being from Kashmir and Muslims.
It further alleged that the landlord was warned that the individuals would forcibly enter the premises and remove the students if they were not asked to vacate.
The alleged pressure has left the students fearful about their safety and, according to the association, reluctant to leave their accommodation, travel or even attend college.
The association said the students approached the college authorities seeking assistance and intervention but alleged that they did not receive adequate support.
As a result, the students are now facing uncertainty over both their safety and continuation of their education, the association claimed.
The Jammu Kashmir Students Association urged the concerned authorities to intervene immediately, ensure the students’ safety and enable them to continue their studies without fear, intimidation or discrimination.
“No student should be forced to choose between education and personal safety,” the association said, stressing that students should not face threats, harassment or eviction because of their religion, identity or place of origin.
