BHOPAL, AUGUST 24: The alleged harassment, intimidation and eviction threats faced by two Kashmiri students pursuing pharmacy studies in Bhopal have been addressed following the intervention of Madhya Pradesh Director General of Police (DGP) Kailash Makwana, with authorities assuring the students of their safety and right to continue their education without fear.
The matter came to light after the two students approached the Jammu & Kashmir Students Association (JKSA), alleging that they were being pressured to vacate their paying-guest accommodation in the Korand Gandhi Nagar area of Bhopal. The students alleged that the pressure was linked to their identity as Kashmiris and Muslims.
According to JKSA, the students are pursuing pharmacy studies at TRUBA Institute of Pharmacy, Bhopal, after being selected under the Prime Minister’s Special Scholarship Scheme (PMSSS). Although hostel accommodation was allotted under the scheme, the institute reportedly did not have hostel facilities available, following which the students had been staying in a PG accommodation at Shanti Homes Colony since last year.
The students had alleged that certain residents of the local colony/society and other individuals were repeatedly pressuring their landlord to remove them from the accommodation. They further alleged that the landlord had been warned that individuals could forcibly enter the premises and remove them if the students were not evicted.
The alleged intimidation had reportedly left the students fearful of leaving their accommodation, travelling freely and attending college. JKSA subsequently raised the matter with Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav, seeking immediate intervention and protection for the students.
Following the intervention of DGP Kailash Makwana, the authorities took cognisance of the matter and initiated action to address the students’ concerns. Police officials also visited the locality and interacted with residents and persons associated with the concerned residential society.
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The individuals allegedly involved in threatening, intimidating or pressuring the students were questioned and called to the police station for further inquiry. Residents of the society were also counselled and cautioned against any conduct that could create fear, insecurity or intimidation among the students.
Police intervention had already begun after JKSA raised the issue, with Bhopal Zone IV Deputy Commissioner of Police Adarshkant Shukla stating that officers had spoken to residents and would ensure that the landlord was not pressured into vacating the students.
The latest intervention has now reassured the students that they can live peacefully, attend college, move around freely and carry out their routine activities without fear or intimidation.
Authorities are also initiating action against other individuals described as fringe elements who may have been involved in activities aimed at threatening or intimidating the students.
JKSA National Convenor Nasir Khuehami had earlier stressed that the students’ Kashmiri or Muslim identity should not become a basis for denying them safe accommodation or disrupting their education. The association had sought legal action against anyone found responsible for intimidation, coercion or attempts to forcibly evict the students.
The development comes as a relief for the two students, who can now continue their pharmacy education in Bhopal with the assurance of police protection and without the fear that they would be forced out of their accommodation because of their identity.
