Jammu and Kashmir Students Association Appeals to Amit Shah Over Controversial DU Circular

Concerns Raised Over Delhi University Circular

The Jammu and Kashmir Students Association has reached out to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, requesting the withdrawal of a circular issued by Delhi University that mandates students from Jammu and Kashmir to provide personal information, as reported by a news agency.

This circular instructs university departments and affiliated colleges to gather specific details, including Aadhaar numbers and residential addresses of these students, according to a report from a media outlet.

In defense of this action, Delhi University proctor Rajni Abbi stated that the initiative aims to enhance the safety and security of Jammu and Kashmir students, especially in light of reports indicating that they have faced harassment following the recent Pahalgam terrorist attack.

Abbi mentioned that the Delhi Police had requested this information, and the circular was issued under the guidance of the Union Ministry of Home Affairs.

However, the students' association criticized this move as “community profiling” and a breach of fundamental rights.

They expressed concerns that the request for information is exclusively directed at Kashmiri students, which raises alarms about targeted surveillance. The association's letter to Shah emphasized that such surveillance fosters an environment of fear and exclusion rather than promoting integration.

They also questioned the necessity of collecting this data, noting that it had already been provided during the admission process.

“We believe that your timely intervention can restore faith among Kashmiri students in the institutions meant to protect and nurture them,” the letter concluded.

The attack in the Baisaran area near Pahalgam on April 22 resulted in the deaths of 26 individuals and left 17 others injured. Reports indicate that the attackers targeted tourists based on their names to determine their religion, with all but three of the deceased being Hindu.

In the aftermath of the attack, incidents of violence and intimidation against Muslims were reported in several states, including Uttarakhand, Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh, and Madhya Pradesh.

A civil rights organization had called on educational institutions to ensure the safety and well-being of Kashmiri students shortly after the incident.