Kashmiri Students Return Home from Punjab Amidst Safety Concerns Following Pahalgam Attack
By: Javid Amin
Srinagar 01 May 2025: In the aftermath of the recent, deeply disturbing terrorist attack targeting tourists in Pahalgam, a palpable sense of unease has permeated the atmosphere for many students hailing from Jammu and Kashmir who are currently pursuing their education in colleges and universities across the neighboring state of Punjab. Driven by a complex interplay of factors, including heightened parental anxieties, a perceived sense of vulnerability, and the emotional pull of their homeland during a time of crisis, a significant number of these students have made the difficult decision to temporarily suspend their studies and return to the relative comfort and security of their homes in Jammu and Kashmir.
The situation has unfolded with particular intensity in the Jalandhar region, a prominent educational hub in Punjab that attracts students from across the country, including a sizable contingent from J&K. Over the past several days, approximately 350 students from Jalandhar-based institutions have departed for their home state, marking a notable disruption in their academic pursuits. This group comprises students from a diverse range of institutions, reflecting the widespread nature of the concerns.
Among the institutions that have witnessed a significant outflow of Kashmiri students are:
- CT Institutes: Over 200 students, a substantial portion of the Kashmiri student body at these institutions, have opted to return home. CT Institutes is a well-regarded group of educational institutions offering a variety of programs, and the departure of such a large number of students underscores the depth of the anxieties at play.
- St Soldier Institutes: Approximately 50 students from St Soldier Institutes, another prominent group of colleges in Jalandhar, have also chosen to return to Jammu and Kashmir.
- Lovely Professional University (LPU): LPU, one of the largest private universities in India, has seen 46 of its Kashmiri students depart. LPU’s vast campus and diverse student population make this exodus particularly noteworthy.
- Lyallpur Khalsa College Technical Campus: This technical campus, known for its focus on engineering and technology programs, has reported that 24 of its Kashmiri students have returned home.
The trend is not confined to Jalandhar alone. Reports from Amritsar, another key city in Punjab, indicate that at least 20 students have also returned to Jammu and Kashmir. What makes this particular situation more poignant is that these students, primarily young women from areas such as Anantnag, Baramulla, and Srinagar, have chosen to leave despite their semester examinations being scheduled to commence later this week. This decision to prioritize their sense of security and their families’ peace of mind over their academic commitments speaks volumes about the level of concern and apprehension that currently prevails.
Voices from the Ground: Student Perspectives
The situation is complex, with students expressing a range of views and experiences. While some report feeling safe and secure in their current environment, others are grappling with the anxieties of their families back home and the broader sense of uncertainty that has been triggered by the Pahalgam attack.
One Kashmiri student from Government Polytechnic College, Amritsar, who spoke on condition of anonymity, articulated the concerns that are driving many students’ decisions: “Our parents back home are in panic due to the tense situation at the border. While we do not face any immediate threat or untoward incidents here, the parents of girls are particularly worried.” This statement highlights the crucial role that parental anxieties and the perceived vulnerability of female students are playing in the decision-making process. The student’s reference to the “tense situation at the border” alludes to the broader geopolitical context and the history of conflict in the region, which can exacerbate anxieties in the wake of specific incidents like the Pahalgam attack.
However, it is equally important to acknowledge that not all Kashmiri students in Punjab share the same concerns or have made the same decision. Keshav, a BBA second-semester student at DAV College, Amritsar, offered a contrasting perspective: “Amritsar is absolutely safe. There are 15 students from J&K in our hostel, and all of them will be taking their exams. We do not feel unsafe, and the situation here is fine.” Keshav’s statement underscores the fact that the situation is nuanced and that many students feel secure in their current environment and are committed to continuing their studies. This highlights the importance of avoiding generalizations and recognizing the diversity of experiences and perspectives within the Kashmiri student community in Punjab.
University Responses and Government Assurances
The universities and educational institutions in Punjab have responded to the situation with a degree of understanding and flexibility. Recognizing the exceptional circumstances and the anxieties of the affected students, several universities have taken steps to accommodate their needs and concerns.
IK Gujral Punjab Technical University, CT University, and Lovely Professional University (LPU) have granted permission to Kashmiri students to skip their May examinations. This decision provides these students with a crucial reprieve, allowing them to return home to their families without jeopardizing their academic progress. The universities have also offered a special provision, allowing these students to appear for the missed examinations at a later date, either in June or July. This demonstrates a commendable level of empathy and a commitment to ensuring that the students are not penalized for prioritizing their safety and well-being during a time of crisis.
However, the situation remains fluid, and not all universities have adopted the same approach. Kashmiri students attending colleges affiliated with Guru Nanak Dev University (GNDU) in the region are still awaiting a similar extension for their end-of-semester examinations. This discrepancy in institutional responses highlights the need for a more coordinated and consistent approach to address the concerns of Kashmiri students in such situations.
The Punjab government has also sought to reassure the students and their families. Punjab Education Minister Harjot Bains had previously announced that the state would provide a special opportunity for students from Kashmir to appear in their examinations if they were to miss them. This assurance from the state government is a welcome step and sends a message of support and solidarity to the Kashmiri student community.
Analyzing the Complexities: Factors at Play
The decision of many Kashmiri students to return home from Punjab is driven by a confluence of complex and interconnected factors:
- Heightened Parental Anxiety: As the student from Government Polytechnic College, Amritsar, pointed out, parental anxieties are a primary driver of this exodus. Parents, particularly those of female students, are understandably concerned about the safety and well-being of their children, especially in the wake of a violent incident in their home region. The distance between Punjab and Kashmir, coupled with the perceived volatility of the security situation in the region, can amplify these anxieties.
- Sense of Vulnerability: The Pahalgam attack, while geographically distant from Punjab, has created a sense of vulnerability among some Kashmiri students. They may feel that they are more susceptible to prejudice or discrimination in the aftermath of such an incident, even if they have not experienced any direct threats. This sense of vulnerability can be heightened by media reports and social media discussions that may perpetuate stereotypes or fuel anxieties.
- Emotional Pull of Home: In times of crisis and uncertainty, the emotional pull of home and family can be particularly strong. Students may feel a deep desire to be with their loved ones, to seek comfort and support, and to contribute to the collective sense of resilience in their community. This emotional pull can be especially powerful for students who are living far from home and may feel a sense of displacement or isolation.
- Historical Context: The decision of Kashmiri students to return home cannot be fully understood without acknowledging the broader historical context of the region. The decades-long conflict in Jammu and Kashmir, the ongoing tensions at the border, and the occasional flare-ups of violence have created a backdrop of uncertainty and anxiety. This historical context can make Kashmiri students and their families more sensitive to security concerns and more likely to react strongly to any perceived threat.
- Role of Social Media and Media Reporting: The rapid dissemination of information and misinformation through social media and news outlets can also play a role in shaping perceptions and influencing decisions. Sensationalized reporting or the spread of rumors can amplify anxieties and create a sense of panic, even if the actual situation on the ground is relatively calm.
The Broader Implications: Education, Integration, and Regional Dynamics
The situation raises important questions about the challenges faced by students from conflict-affected regions who choose to pursue their education in other parts of the country. It also highlights the delicate balance between ensuring the safety and security of all students and fostering a sense of inclusivity and integration.
The departure of Kashmiri students from Punjab, even if temporary, represents a setback to the process of national integration and cultural exchange. These students, by choosing to study in Punjab, are making a conscious effort to connect with and learn from people from different backgrounds. Their presence on Punjab’s campuses enriches the educational environment and fosters a sense of unity in diversity. Their return home, driven by fear and anxiety, underscores the challenges that need to be addressed to ensure that students from all parts of the country feel safe and welcome wherever they choose to study.
The incident also highlights the need for greater sensitivity and awareness on the part of educational institutions and host communities towards the specific concerns and vulnerabilities of students from conflict-affected regions. Universities and colleges need to have clear protocols and support systems in place to address the needs of these students, to provide them with accurate information, and to ensure their safety and well-being. Host communities also need to play a role in creating a welcoming and inclusive environment, to challenge stereotypes, and to promote understanding and empathy.
Furthermore, the situation underscores the importance of addressing the root causes of conflict and instability in Jammu and Kashmir. A lasting solution to the conflict is essential to create an environment where Kashmiri students feel confident and secure in pursuing their education anywhere in the country, without fear of discrimination or violence.
Bottom-Line: A Call for Empathy, Understanding, and Lasting Peace
The return of Kashmiri students from Punjab following the Pahalgam attack is a complex and multifaceted issue. It is a story that speaks of fear and anxiety, of the emotional pull of home, and of the challenges of pursuing education in a climate of uncertainty. It is a story that reminds us of the human cost of conflict and the importance of building bridges of understanding and empathy between communities.
As we move forward, it is crucial that we respond to this situation with sensitivity and compassion. We must recognize the legitimate concerns of the Kashmiri students and their families, while also reaffirming our commitment to the values of inclusivity, diversity, and national unity. Educational institutions, state governments, and civil society organizations all have a role to play in ensuring that students from all parts of the country feel safe, welcome, and supported in their pursuit of knowledge.
Ultimately, the long-term solution lies in creating a lasting peace in Jammu and Kashmir, a peace that will allow all its citizens, including its students, to live their lives with dignity, security, and hope. Until that day comes, we must continue to work towards building a society where all students, regardless of their background or origin, can pursue their education without fear or prejudice, and where the bonds of unity and understanding are stronger than the forces of division and discord.
