The Jammu & Kashmir Students Association (JKSA) has initiated a series of meetings with Hindu right-wing organisations and political leaders in Uttarakhand, following repeated threats and attacks on Kashmiri students and shawl sellers. The aim is to secure assurances that such incidents will not recur, amid rising safety concerns after last year's Pahalgam terror attack and recent cases involving Kashmiri traders in the state.
Outreach to Key Leaders
JKSA national convenor Nasir Khuehami held the first round of meetings with Hindu Raksha Dal (HRD) leader Lalit Sharma and BJP Rajya Sabha member Naresh Bansal. The association plans to also engage with leaders of organisations like Bajrang Dal to address grievances, stop intimidation, and establish a channel for resolving issues without threats or street action.
Khuehami's Remarks
“We met Sharma for around two hours because most of the threats and intimidating acts against Kashmiri students and hawkers in the last few years were directed by him. During the meeting, we explained that because of elements like him, the whole of Uttarakhand is getting a bad name in Kashmir,” Khuehami told TOI. He further highlighted the economic contribution of Kashmiri students, noting that the number of students from Kashmir in Uttarakhand has dropped by about 70% from around 10,000 four to five years ago, causing significant economic loss. “A single student spends on average Rs 1 lakh. We urged him to stop the intimidating acts and discuss issues amicably,” he added.
Background of Threats
The meeting occurred after threats in Dehradun following the April 22, 2025 Pahalgam terror attack, when police filed an FIR against Sharma for allegedly inciting religious sentiments through inflammatory speeches. Reports indicated that several Kashmiri students left Dehradun after threatening videos circulated on social media. Additionally, a Kashmiri shawl seller was allegedly assaulted in Udham Singh Nagar’s Kashipur in December 2025, leading to arrests and an FIR under multiple BNS sections. JKSA had earlier sought legal action and police protection for Kashmiri students and traders.
Sharma's Response
Confirming the meeting, Sharma said Khuehami raised several issues, but he did not give any assurance. “We listened to him but didn’t assure him of the future as to how we can get into negotiations when terror attacks like Pahalgam keep happening against civilians. Also, many Kashmiri students in the past were found to have joined terrorist organisations. In such developments, reactions will be there,” Sharma stated.
Police Assurance
State police affirmed that nobody would be allowed to take the law into their hands. “Uttarakhand police ensures safety and security for all citizens, irrespective of their states or Union Territories, in the state. Appropriate action is taken against anyone found disturbing law and order,” said Sunil Kumar Meena, IG, law and order, and police headquarters spokesperson.
