Srinagar, February 15 (KNS): In a stark indicator of the long-term social fallout of the 2019 Pulwama terror attack, the number of Kashmiri students seeking higher education in Uttarakhand has plummeted by over 60 per cent. The Jammu & Kashmir Students Association (JKSA) has attributed this decline to persistent safety concerns and a deep-seated "trust deficit" that remains unaddressed seven years after the incident.
Speaking to news agency Kashmir News Service (KNS), National Convenor of JKSA, Nasir Khuehami, recounted the hostile environment that unfolded in the aftermath of the February 14, 2019 attack. He claimed that Kashmiri students in Uttarakhand were subjected to harassment, forced to vacate their hostels, and in some cases physically assaulted.
"Uttarakhand was one of the first states where our students faced a severe backlash. The climate of fear and insecurity that was created back then has never really dissipated. It has permanently altered the choices of students and their families," Khuehami said.
According to data compiled by the Association, Uttarakhand along with Punjab was once a premier destination for Kashmiri students, hosting over 6,000 individuals. However, in the years following the Pulwama incident, the inflow has steadily declined to an estimated 2,000. "The hostility made people look for alternatives. Many are now opting for other states or even looking abroad, where they feel a greater sense of acceptance," he added.
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Khuehami made a clear distinction between condemning terrorism and ostracizing a community. "Every act of violence is condemnable. If any individual posted objectionable content at that time, those actions are also condemnable. However, personal opinions or individual misconduct should not be linked to an entire region or community," he asserted, emphasizing that true integration cannot be built on intimidation.
The JKSA expressed disappointment over the lack of proactive measures from both the Uttarakhand and Jammu & Kashmir governments to rebuild trust. They pointed out that educational institutions in Uttarakhand, which once benefited from the academic and cultural contributions of Kashmiri students, are now seeing a drop in applications from the Valley.
The Association has urgently appealed for collaborative action between the two states. It has proposed targeted scholarships, dedicated grievance redressal cells, and outreach campaigns to reassure students. "Both states must work together to restore trust. Universities and colleges also need to play a proactive role in creating an inclusive environment. The long-term impact of this division is limiting the educational and professional opportunities for our youth, and that needs to be fixed," Khuehami added. (KNS)