'They came to build future': After threat video, professionals in Dehradun offer shelter, assistance to distressed Kashmiri students

DEHRADUN: Following reports of threats to Kashmiri students in Dehradun, especially after a purported video asking them to "immediately leave Uttarakhand" surfaced in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack, many professionals from the city came forward to offer their assistance to the distressed youth. Some of them, terming the turn of events as "extremely disturbing," decided to share their local contact details on social media, making themselves accessible to students who may need shelter or financial help.
One such volunteer, a Dehradun-based filmmaker who had offered help to such students during the Pulwama terror attack as well, told TOI: “These students came to Dehradun to study and build a future away from home. They had nothing to do with the dastardly act in Pahalgam. Despite that, if they are targeted here, we'll leave them with no choice but to remain in the Valley, without much education.”
The 29-year-old filmmaker, who didn’t wish to be named, added, "After coming across the 'threat' video, I couldn't remain silent and decided to put my contact details on social media for those in distress.”
He further said: “If we do not speak out against those elements trying to target the Kashmiri students just for their religion, then there will be no difference between us and the terrorists who killed innocent tourists after asking about their faith...”
Another volunteer, a 39-year-old Dehradun resident who works in Mumbai as a movie programmer on an OTT platform, said, "After watching the threat video, I started thinking about the mental condition of those students. So, I decided to share my details on social media so that the students could reach out to me. It is the basic duty of a human being to help fellow humans in need. I offered shelter to female Kashmiri students and, if required, may support them with funds too."
She added that she had received calls from two Kashmiri girls studying in Dehradun after the purported threat video.
Earlier, police had registered a case against a right-wing activist who had issued the video threatening "Kashmiri Muslims to leave Dehradun by 10 am Thursday or face consequences." Following the threats, 25 students left the city for their homes on Thursday evening. However, after reassurances by police regarding their safety and support from many locals, several students who were mulling leaving chose to stay back.
Speaking on the issue, Uttarakhand DGP Deepam Seth said, “There are 1,665 Kashmiri students in the state, and all are safe. Strict action will be taken against anyone trying to disturb the law and order situation.”
Meanwhile, on Saturday evening, police arrested a 20-year-old man from Dehradun's Nehru Colony for allegedly posting an "objectionable" comment on the Pahalgam attack. Police said a case was registered against him for "hurting religious sentiments and promoting enmity between groups."