National Union of Students UK stands in solidarity with JKSA amid harassment of Kashmiri students

SRINAGAR: The National Union of Students (NUS) United Kingdom (UK) has extended its solidarity and support to the Jammu and Kashmir Students Association (JKSA) and all Kashmiri students affected by the harassment in the aftermath of recent tragic events in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir.In an official message to JKSA through its official letter from London, Sai Shraddha S. Viswanathan, International Lead of NUS UK and President of NUS Scotland, conveyed deep sorrow over the incident and reaffirmed unwavering solidarity with Kashmiri students.

She expressed profound sadness at the loss of innocent lives and the trauma caused by the brutal act of violence.She also strongly condemned the rising wave of hate crimes and targeted harassment of Kashmiri students across various parts of India, stating that such attacks are a blatant violation of the principles of dignity, safety, and equality that every student deserves regardless of background or identity.

The union in its telephonic message to Nasir Khuehami National Convenor of Jammu and Kashmir Students Association (JKSA) also said that Kashmiri students are not alone, assuring them that their voices matter, their pain is acknowledged, and their rights must be protected.NUS UK expressed its commitment to stand not only in mourning but also in action, advocacy, and care. The union further added that during this difficult time, Kashmiri students are in their thoughts, and they are ready to provide any support needed to ensure that the voices of all students are heard and respected.NUS UK has consistently stood with students in their fight against injustice and oppression, and this moment is no different.

We want to affirm that Kashmiri students are not alone. Your voices matter, your pain is heard, and your rights deserve to be protected. We stand beside you not only in mourning, but also in action, advocacy, and care, it added.Founded in 1922, the National Union of Students (NUS) is a prominent confederation representing nearly 600 student unions and over 7 million students across higher and further education institutions in the United Kingdom. It functions through devolved national sub-bodies—NUS Scotland, NUS Wales (UCM Cymru), and NUS-USI in Northern Ireland—reflecting its federal structure and wide reach.Responding to the message, Nasir Khuehami, the National Convenor of the Jammu and Kashmir Students Association, thanked NUS UK for their support, calling it a strong show of student solidarity across borders.

He said the gesture means a lot at a time when Kashmiri students are gripped by fear and anxiety, following the tragic incident in Pahalgam and rising cases of discrimination and targeted attacks in colleges and universities across the country."At a time when hate and discrimination is creeping everywhere, such solidarity gives us and our students hope and strength. We appeal to academic institutions in India to take inspiration from this and ensure campuses remain spaces of safety, inclusivity, and respect."