Union Home minister Rajnath Singh on Friday asked all states to ensure safety of Kashmiris living in different parts of the country.
Condemning the alleged incidents of harassment of Kashmiris, the Home minister said they are like any other Indian and an advisory is being sent by the MHA to all states to ensure the safety and security of people from the Valley.
“I have come to know that there were a few incidents of misbehaviour towards Kashmiris in some places. I appeal to all chief ministers to ensure security of Kashmiris,” he told reporters in New Delhi.
“Even they are part of India. No one can rubbish this truth that many people from Kashmir are contributing to India's safety and prosperity,” he added.
Singh’s statement came in the wake of reports alleging that Kashmiri students in Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh were being threatened after the latest incidents of stonepelting and assault on security personnel by Kashmiri youths in the Valley.
On Thursday, a group of Kashmiri students at the Mewar University in Chittorgarh, Rajastham were allegedly called terrorists and beaten up by the locals.
Rajnath Singh said that he has asked the Home Ministry to immediately circulate an advisory to all states in this regard.
“The incident is extremely unfortunate and I condemn it. Strict action will be taken against anyone who mistreats any Kashmiri youth. I appeal to all the youth to consider them as their brother. They are citizens of our country and part of our family. The people should understand this reality,” he said.
The assault is the latest incident of violence against Kashmiris studying at Chittorgarh's Mewar University, which has around 500 students from Jammu and Kashmir.
In March 2016, four Kashmiri students were beaten up over rumours of beef being cooked in the university hostel.
