Urges immediate intervention from top authorities
SRINAGAR: In response to distressing reports and viral videos indicating targeted hostility against Kashmiri students in different parts of the country, Er. Ehtisham Khan, prominent social and student rights activist and Co-founder of The Purpose (NGO), has issued a strong appeal to senior authorities, including the Union Home Minister, Minister of Minority Affairs, Lieutenant Governor of Jammu & Kashmir, and the Chief Minister of Jammu & Kashmir, urging immediate intervention.
Students from Kashmir have reported being asked to vacate their accommodations, facing profiling, and being subjected to harassment amidst rising communal tensions. In his letters, Khan has called for urgent steps to protect the lives, dignity, and constitutional rights of Kashmiri students, who are currently gripped by fear and anxiety.
“We completely understand and respect the sentiment of the nation at this moment. The grief and anger are valid. But we, too, are equally part of that grief,” said Ehtisham Khan. “Targeting innocent students will only deepen wounds and weaken the very unity we must strive to preserve.”
To the Chief Minister of Jammu & Kashmir, Khan specifically requested the creation of a dedicated helpline and helpdesk for students outside the region, so they can access timely support and protection.
“This is not just a law-and-order issue — it is a moral one. No student should feel abandoned or unsafe in their own country,” he said.
Within hours of his appeal, a dedicated student helpline was established by the office of the Resident Commissioner, Government of J&K.
Khan expressed his gratitude to the Chief Minister and Resident Commissioner for the prompt action and hoped the system would actively respond to all concerns in real time.
In his outreach to the Union Ministries, Khan has stressed the importance of preventing fringe elements from exploiting emotions to incite hate or division, especially against students from Kashmir.
In a public message to the student community, Khan has urged all Kashmiri students to stay calm, vigilant, and avoid engaging in any unnecessary discussions or events that might provoke tensions or disturb communal harmony.
“This is a time to stand for brotherhood, not division. I appeal to every young Kashmiri — do not give space to hate or provocation. We must uphold peace, dignity, and unity at all costs,” he added.
Reaffirming his commitment to support students in distress, Ehtisham Khan concluded:
“If there is anything I can do — at any hour, in any capacity — I am ready to serve. Let us come together in compassion and courage.”