Concerned over reports about “harassment” of Kashmiri students, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday asked Chief Ministers of all States to ensure their safety. The Home Ministry also issued an advisory to States to take “strict action” against those responsible for such incidents.
“I have come to know that there were a few incidents of misbehaviour towards Kashmiris in some places. I appeal to all the Chief Ministers to ensure security of Kashmiris in their States. I appeal to everyone to consider the Kashmiri youths as their own brethren and treat them well,” Home Minister Rajnath Singh told reporters in New Delhi.
later in the evening, the Home Ministry issued an advisory asking the States to ensure safety and security of Kashmiri students. “Recently there have been reports of harassment of students of Jammu & Kashmir studying in educational institutions in some States. The State Governments and police authorities are hereby requested to take strict action to ensure the safety and security of students from Jammu & Kashmir,” it said.
“The State Governments and union territories are requested to sensitise the nodal officers already appointed earlier for addressing such complaints from students of Jammu & Kashmir,” it said.
The development comes against the backdrop of reports about clashes involving Kashmiri students in Rajasthan and banners asking people from Kashmir to quit Uttar Pradesh.