PDP's Para moves adjournment motion in assembly over hate crimes against Kashmiris outside J&K
Srinagar, Feb 3: PDP legislator Waheed Ur Rehman Para on Tuesday moved an adjournment motion in the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly, seeking an urgent discussion on what he described as the alarming rise in hate crimes, harassment and targeted violence against Kashmiri students and working-class citizens in different parts of mainland India.
In the notice submitted to the Assembly Secretariat, Para urged the suspension of all listed business of the House to take up the matter, citing its “urgent public importance”.
The Pulwama MLA said credible reports have emerged from several states indicating that Kashmiri students living in hostels and rented accommodations, as well as Kashmiri labourers employed in factories, hotels and small establishments, have been subjected to verbal abuse, threats, forced evictions, physical assaults and social boycotts solely on the basis of their identity.
“These incidents have created an atmosphere of fear and insecurity among thousands of Kashmiri youth who have gone outside the Union Territory in pursuit of education and employment,” the notice read, adding that parents in Jammu and Kashmir are living under constant anxiety over the safety and dignity of their children.
Para said the issue involves fundamental rights to life, liberty, equality and dignity guaranteed under the Constitution, affects a large number of students and workers from Jammu and Kashmir, and has the potential to harm national integration and social harmony.
The PDP legislator further observed that despite assurances from authorities, incidents continue to be reported, indicating that existing measures are “insufficient and reactive rather than preventive”.
Through the adjournment motion, Para sought immediate protection and security arrangements for Kashmiri students and workers across India, strict action against perpetrators of hate crimes, and the establishment of helplines, nodal officers and safe accommodation facilities in vulnerable regions.
He also called for coordinated intervention by the Union Government and concerned state governments, saying the gravity of the situation warrants immediate discussion and cannot be deferred to routine legislative business.
