Srinagar, July 19 (UNI) Amid violent protests in Bangladesh, Peoples Democratic Party chief Mehbooba Mufti on Friday urged External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar to urgently intervene and ensure the safe return of Kashmiri students from that country.
For weeks, students across Bangladesh have been protesting over quotas in government jobs and the demonstrations have intensified in recent days. As per reports, 39 protesters have been killed in violence.
In the wake of the violence in Bangladesh, former Chief Minister of erstwhile J&K state Mufti said the government of India should take immediate steps to bring students back home.
“As protests & turmoil grip Bangladesh I urge @DrSJaishankar to urgently intervene & ensure safety of thousands of Kashmiri students in Bangladesh. Internet services being suspended has only added to the distress of their parents. Immediate steps must be taken to bring them back home,” former chief minister posted on X.
Every year hundreds of students from Jammu and Kashmir go to Bangladesh to pursue medical courses.
Jammu & Kashmir Students Association (JKSA) has also appealed to Jaishankar for urgent assistance in relocating and ensuring the safety of Kashmiri students in Bangladesh.
“The safety and well-being of our Indian students are now matters of grave concern. Hundreds of Kashmiri students have contacted us, expressing severe anxiety regarding their personal security and demanding immediate relocation from their hostels to a safer environment. The escalating violence poses a significant threat to their lives and academic pursuits,” JKSA letter to MEA read.
The Association said there are more than 3,500 Kashmiri students enrolled in different colleges and universities in Bangladesh.
