Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Dec 23: The issue of alleged harassment of Kashmiri students and workers outside Jammu & Kashmir is being deliberately weaponized for political gain. Instead of acting responsibly, certain political parties, leaders, and affiliated student bodies are inflaming tensions through provocative and misleading statements, turning minor and routine issues into exaggerated claims of persecution, while at the same time defending or justifying involvement in grave crimes such as terrorism. This was stated by Girdhari Lal Raina, spokesperson of BJP and former MLC.
He in a statement issued here, today said this reckless conduct is doing more harm than good,. GL Raina stressed that by promoting a narrative of constant victimhood, these leaders are discouraging Kashmiri students and workers from behaving as responsible citizens, and are making their adjustment in other states more difficult. The double standards are glaring-while respect for “local sentiments” is demanded from students and employees from other states in Kashmir, similar respect is conveniently ignored when Kashmiris reside elsewhere in the country, he added.
What is deliberately suppressed in this narrative is that students from other states studying in Kashmir have frequently reported intimidation, physical altercations, faculty bias, and lack of institutional support, forcing many to leave campuses due to insecurity, BJP spokesperson alleged. Such incidents rarely attract outrage from the same political voices, exposing their selective and self-serving concern, he continued.
Raina without hesitation stated clearly that verified incidents of harassment do occur, both in Kashmir and outside it, particularly during periods of heightened tension. However, blanket accusations and manufactured hysteria only weaken genuine cases and create unnecessary fear.
Ex-MLC explained that State governments and political leaders across party lines have consistently appealed for calm and restraint while assuring the safety of students-a maturity that is regrettably missing among many Kashmir-centric leaders.
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