Srinagar: Over 22,000 Kashmiri students are studying outside the state and the number of students who have actually been injured or hurt in incidents of assault against them is not even in single digits, government said on Sunday.
“On the issue of safety and security of Kashmiris residing outside the state, the Governor clarified that the Prime Minister has given clear directions to the country yesterday. The PM’s statement that there is no fight against Kashmiris but that it is a fight for Kashmir is a clear signal that the people of Jammu and Kashmir are not only the integral part of India but it is the responsibility of the country to take care of their safety wherever they may be,” Governor Satya Pal Malik was quoted as saying an official statement issued here.
“Over 22,000 Kashmiri students are studying outside the state and the number of students who have actually been injured or hurt in incidents is not even in single digits. The state’s system of Liaison Officers in nine major cities has worked effectively so that there is no panic anywhere and students continue their studies safely,” he said, adding, “The work of LOs, helplines in State and other measures have ensured that the vast majority of students continue their studies uninterrupted.”
He said media has played up “a few scattered incidents more than what has actually happened which has been a major cause of fear and anxiety among parents whose children are studying outside the state.”
“The exaggerated reporting has led to unnecessary excessive reactions in the Kashmir Valley. It is necessary for everyone to avoid fear mongering and not to worsen matters.”
The Principal Secretary, Planning and Monitoring along with Principal Resident Commissioner and the Commissioner/ Secretary, Higher Education will be briefing the media separately on students related issues later in the evening, he said. “After the Prime Minister’s statement, a state of calm should prevail and that is the request to all concerned.”
The Governor re-assures all government employees and their families who stay in Jammu that their safety and security was of primary importance to the Government and from day one, measures were taken to ensure their safety. “The situation in Jammu city is normal and government employees should feel safe as they go about their normal work.”
