Kashmiri Students Face Widespread Discrimination and Harassment Following Delhi Red Fort Blast Investigation

The deadly car explosion near Red Fort resulted in 15 fatalities.

Students originating from Jammu and Kashmir report experiencing increasing hostility nationwide, including threats, landlord harassment, evictions without notice, and even rejection at local shops. These incidents have escalated following investigations into the November 10 Red Fort bombing and a white-collar terror network that implicated doctors and individuals from the region.

The discrimination intensified after authorities arrested three individuals from Jammu and Kashmir on Saturday in connection with the Delhi car explosion that claimed 15 lives. Many students describe how routine security procedures have evolved into outright suspicion and intimidation.

Some Kashmiri students mention classmates insinuating terrorist connections within their families, while student organizations report instances of profiling and unwarranted questioning.

Earlier this week, Faridabad Police interrogated approximately 2,000 Kashmiri students and tenants residing in the city, searching for potential connections to the alleged "white-collar terror module."

National Conference leader Farooq Abdullah has appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, and state chief ministers to ensure Kashmiris living, studying, or working across India aren't viewed with suspicion or subjected to harassment following the Delhi car bombing.

Abdullah expressed concern regarding narratives emerging after such tragic events, emphasizing that individuals responsible for criminal activities represent an extremely small minority and do not reflect the broader Jammu and Kashmir population. Highlighting Kashmiris' positive contributions to India's social, economic, and cultural fabric, Abdullah urged all governments to implement proactive measures safeguarding Kashmiris' dignity and security throughout India.

Four individuals, including three doctors, were apprehended Thursday in connection with the Red Fort explosion. The "prime suspects" have been identified as Dr. Muzammil Shakeel Ganai, Dr. Adeel Ahmed Rather, and Mufti Irfan Ahmad Wagay from Jammu and Kashmir, along with Dr. Shaheen Saeed from Lucknow. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) previously arrested two additional suspects: Amir Rashid Ali, reportedly the registered owner of the vehicle, and Jasir Bilal Wani, allegedly providing technical assistance to suicide bomber Umar Un Nabi, who drove the exploding Hyundai i20.

The explosion occurred on the same day authorities discovered over 2,900 kg of explosives at Dr. Muzammil Shakeel's rented accommodation in Faridabad. The city's Al Falah University became a focal point for investigators as both Nabi and Shakeel were affiliated with the institution.