Kashmiri student dies in Punjab college

Srinagar, Aug 3: The Jammu and Kashmir Students Association (JKSA) Saturday expressed sorrow over the death of a Kashmiri student, Imaad Ahmad Sheikh at CGC College in Mohali, Punjab, and sought a probe into his death.

A statement of the JKSA issued here said that he was a 2nd year graduate student from Baramulla.

The JKSA’s National Media Coordinator, Osheeba Bashir demanded a thorough and impartial investigation into the mysterious death.

She said that JKSA has raised the matter with the Punjab Chief Minister's office and also spoken to Punjab Assembly Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan, bringing the matter to his attention.

The JKSA said that there was a need for a fair investigation and requested the authorities' intervention to ensure that the probe reached a logical conclusion.

It has also appealed to the Chief Minister of Punjab, Bhagwant Mann, to constitute a team to probe the mysterious death of the J&K student.

“As we mourn the loss of a young life, it is crucial to address the broader issue of student mental health and create a safe and supportive environment for all students, especially those from distant regions like Jammu and Kashmir. The welfare of students should always remain at the forefront of the education system,” the JKSA said.

It said that the association stands with the bereaved family during this difficult time and hope that justice will prevail.

The JKSA also appealed to the central government to take necessary measures to ensure foolproof security for Kashmiri students across various states in the country.

It said that it was crucial to safeguard Kashmiri students from any form of harassment or mistreatment.

The JKSA emphasised the need for a fair investigation into the incident and requested the authorities to ensure the investigation reached a logical conclusion.

It expressed deep sympathies to the bereaved family of the deceased, praying for eternal peace for the departed soul and granting courage to the family members to bear this irreparable loss.

The JKSA appealed to the chief minister to constitute a team to probe the mysterious death case of the Kashmiri student.

"We urge the Chief Minister of Punjab to expedite the probe to ascertain the truth behind the sudden death of this Kashmiri student and to expose any foul play if present," the JKSA said.

It said that over the past 4 to 5 years, around a dozen Kashmiri students have died under similar mysterious circumstances.

“An impartial investigation must be conducted to understand why such events are happening frequently, especially in a state that appears to be friendly to Kashmiris,” the JKSA said.

It said that this trend was alarming and raises serious concerns about the safety and well-being of Kashmiri students studying in Punjab.

“The Punjab Chief Minister must address these issues to prevent further tragedies and ensure a safe environment for all Kashmiri students,” the JKSA said.

The association thanked Punjab Assembly Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan for his help and coordination in expediting the process of returning the deceased student's body to his family.