New Delhi: Left parties on Friday expressed concern over reports of Kashmiri students in different parts of the country being threatened and harassed following the Pahalgam terror attack, and called for action against those behind such incidents.
While the Communist Party of India (Marxist) said the threats and harassment will only help the agenda of terrorists, the Communist Party of India (Marxist-Leninist) Liberation termed such incidents “despicable acts fuelled by hatred”.
“At a time when the whole country has unitedly come out against the dastardly terrorist attack in Pahalgam, there are reports of threats and harassment of students and traders belonging to Jammu and Kashmir in different states, including Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, etc.,” CPI(M) said in a statement issued here.
“In Dehradun, due to the threats and an ultimatum issued by a communal outfit, many Kashmiri students have left for their homes. There is also a vicious campaign on social media targeting the Kashmiris and the minority community,” it said.
The Left party said the whole country has seen how Kashmiris have, in one voice, denounced and protested against the April 22 terrorist attack, which claimed 26 lives.
“These activities are only helping the agenda of the terrorists. The concerned authorities must take firm action against those who are indulging in such disruptive activities. There should be no leniency shown to those who try to divide and disrupt the people’s unity that has been forged,” the party added.
The CPI(M) also circulated numbers of party members who can be contacted by students in distress.
The CPI(ML) Liberation said in a statement that the threats and harassment directed at Kashmiris, especially students and residents living outside the Valley, are “despicable acts fuelled by hatred and aimed at dividing society”.
“This is a shameful attempt to exploit a tragedy by communal, jingoistic and bigoted forces,” it said.
The CPI(ML) said its Uttarakhand secretary Indresh Maikhuri has submitted a letter to the state director general of police, demanding strict action against the Hindu Raksha Dal and other “communal groups” that have threatened violence against Kashmiris.
It also condemned the wave of communal hatred and threats being directed at Muslims, both on social media and in the public sphere.
“Several prominent social media accounts, including those linked to the BJP-RSS establishment, are spreading fake news and fuelling hatred against Kashmiris and Muslims. Merely removing such posts from social media is not enough. Failure to take decisive action only emboldens these divisive elements,” the party said.
Incidents of assault and threats against Kashmiri students have been reported from colleges in Punjab and Uttarakhand.
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday said he was in touch with his counterparts in other states to ensure the safety of the students.
