The violent protests in Bangladesh where 103 protesters have been killed in the ongoing quota row have sent parents in Kashmir into a tizzy even as former chief ministers and a students’ association have urged the Government of India for the safety of Kashmiri students.
Protests in Bangladesh have erupted over the Bangladesh High Court’s decision to reinstate a 30% government job reservation for the descendants of those who had fought the 1971 war of independence against Pakistan.
Hundreds of students from Jammu and Kashmir go to Bangladesh every year to study medical courses, particularly MBBS. These students spend lakhs of rupees on thier studies in a country where medical degrees are comparatively economical than in India and other countries.
The National Conference (NC) and the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) on Friday appealed to the external affairs ministry to ensure safe passage and return of Kashmiri students from Bangladesh amid violent protests in the neighboring country over demands for an end to a quota system in jobs.
“Dear @MEAIndia, please ensure the safe passage and return of Kashmiri students from Bangladesh amidst the ongoing unrest. Parents of these students are extremely worried as there is no or little communication,” NC leader and Srinagar Lok Sabha MP Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi said in a post on X.
PDP president Mehbooba Mufti said immediate steps must be taken to bring Kashmiri students back.
“As protests & turmoil grip Bangladesh I urge @DrSJaishankar to urgently intervene & ensure the 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,” she said on X.
External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal Friday said 15,000 Indians including 8,500 students residing in Bangladesh were safe.
The Indian high commission has already activated helpline numbers that are operating 24×7, he said.
Jammu and Kashmir Students Association has written to the MEA for assistance in relocating and ensuring the safety of Kashmiri students.
“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. We have received distress calls from several Kashmiri students stranded in various universities and colleges. Scores of parents have also informed us that their children are scared and anxious due to the ongoing violence and unrest. The families back in Kashmir are deeply worried and concerned for their safety,” JKSA said in a statement.