2 Kashmiri students assaulted in Haryana after Friday prayers, J&K CM demands probe

On Friday, two Kashmiri students were attacked in Haryana.

Chandigarh, Feb 3: The assault on two Kashmiri students studying in Haryana on Friday has rattled the nation, once again. In the past, several instances were reported when natives of Jammu and Kashmir, especially students, faced violence and discrimination in different parts of the country.

The latest episode of attack on the two Kashmiri students, studying Geography at the Central University of Haryana in Mahendragarh, about 100 km from New Delhi, reaffirms the threat faced by people of the strife-torn state in India itself.

According to reports the duo was allegedly attacked by a group of at least 15 people after they finished their Friday prayers at a mosque and went to visit a market place in Mahendragarh.

During the attack, miscreants used bricks, stones and helmets to assault the students. The attack was said to have lasted for at least 10 minutes.

"My friend and I had gone to the mosque to offer namaz yesterday. After we came out of the mosque, we noticed some people following us. Just as we were leaving on my motorbike, a group of 15-20 people started to beat us," Aftab, one of the Kashmiri students, was quoted as saying by ANI.

When the students asked why they were being attacked, the mob did not respond and continued beating them mercilessly which caused severe injuries to them. In fact, several people silently watched the attack and did not come to help the victims.

"No one came forward to help us. Soon after, the police arrived at the spot. We went to the hospital for checkup and returned to the university campus. We told faculty about the incident and lodged a complaint with the university too," added Aftab.

"The Haryana Police has taken cognizance... One of our officers is in touch with the boys as well," said a senior J&K police officer. J&K Director General of Police Shesh Paul Vaid told NDTV that he is in touch with the top cop in Haryana over the case.

Meanwhile, J&K chief minister Mehbooba Mufti has asked her Haryana counterpart, ML Khattar, to ensure strict action.

"Shocked and disturbed to hear reports of Kashmiri students being assaulted in Mahendragarh, Haryana. I urge the authorities to investigate and take strict action," she tweeted, tagging the Haryana CM.

Former J&K CM Omar Abdullah tagged Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a tweet and said that the incident goes against the spirit of his outreach for Kashmiris.

"This is terrible & goes against the spirit of what @PMOIndia @narendramodi ji said from the ramparts of the Red Fort. I hope the authorities in Haryana act quickly against this violence."

Earlier, Union home minister Rajnath Singh had asked all state governments to ensure safety of Kashmiris.

OneIndia News