J&K Students Association writes to LoP Rahul Gandhi to raise plight of Kashmiri students, Shawl sellers & shelling victims in Parliament

JAMMU: The Jammu and Kashmir Students Association on Wednesday has written to the Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, urging him to raise in Parliament the plight of Kashmiri students and shawl sellers who were harassed, humiliated, and assaulted across the country following the Pahalgam attack, as well as the continued suffering of victims of cross-border shelling in Rajouri, Poonch, Kupwara, and Uri. 

"In its letter, the Association highlighted the deepening crisis that has unfolded in the aftermath of the recent Pahalgam terror attack and the escalating cross-border shelling, both of which have devastated civilian lives. The letter expressed grave concern over the psychological trauma, displacement, and loss experienced by the affected communities." 

Nasir Khuehami, National Convenor of the Association, recalled a recent meeting with Rahul Gandhi during his visit to Srinagar following the Pahalgam attack. “We had an in-depth, 30-minute meeting where we shared firsthand accounts and specific instances of targeted harassment, as well as the mental and physical hardships being endured by Kashmiri students and civilians,” Khuehami said. 

He noted that Rahul Gandhi had assured the delegation of raising these concerns in Parliament and taking them up with the Prime Minister. The letter pointed out that despite the widespread condemnation of the Pahalgam attack by Kashmiri students, there were at least 18 reported incidents of targeted violence, harassment, and threats against Kashmiri students and shawl sellers across various states. “Universities have turned into spaces of fear and exclusion,” the letter stated, while calling for institutional safeguards, campus security mechanisms, redressal frameworks, and mental health support for the affected students. 

He emphasized that, The consequences of these relentless attacks are harrowing. Residential homes have been obliterated, schools have been destroyed, and children have not only been killed and injured but have also suffered severe psychological trauma. 

Highlighting the deteriorating situation in border areas, the Association stated, “Families are living in constant fear, bunkers have replaced homes, and children are being robbed of their futures.” Several residential areas have been flattened by shelling, schools destroyed, and the trauma among children and youth continues to grow. 

The letter also lauded Rahul Gandhi’s visits to Poonch and Srinagar and his decision to adopt 22 children orphaned in cross-border shelling. “His act of adopting these children for their education, safety, and well-being is an extraordinary gesture of compassion and moral leadership,” said Khuehami, adding that such commitments go beyond political symbolism. 

Recalling Gandhi’s words; “We must fight hate in all its forms. Kashmiris are an integral part of India, and their rights and dignity are non-negotiable”,  the Association expressed hope that these sentiments would be translated into concrete action during the ongoing Monsoon Session of Parliament. “This is not a political issue, but a humanitarian imperative,” Khuehami said. “We urge Rahul Gandhi to be the voice of the voiceless and bring the struggles of Kashmiri youth to the attention of the nation. Their pain must no longer remain invisible.”