Dehradun, April 28, 2025 – Jammu and Kashmir’s Minister for Transport and Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs, Satish Sharma, met Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami in Dehradun on April 26, 2025, to address the safety concerns of J&K students and the Kashmiri business community in Uttarakhand following the tragic Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, 2025, which claimed 26 lives, including 25 tourists and local hero Syed Adil Hussain Shah. The visit, undertaken at the direction of J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, included meaningful interactions with students, traders, and officials, reinforcing efforts to protect J&K residents amid rising India-Pakistan tensions.
The discussions centered on ensuring the security of approximately 3,000 J&K students studying in Uttarakhand’s universities and professional colleges, as well as the Kashmiri business community, particularly those engaged in handicrafts and shawl trade. The attack at Baisaran meadow in Anantnag district sparked fears of potential backlash against Kashmiris in other states, prompting Sharma to seek assurances from Dhami’s administration. “The safety of our students and entrepreneurs is paramount,” Sharma said. “Uttarakhand has assured us of their full support, and we are committed to their well-being.”
Dhami reaffirmed Uttarakhand’s commitment, stating, “J&K students and residents here are safe, and our government is taking all measures to ensure their security.” He directed local authorities to strengthen safety protocols and maintain vigilance, especially in educational hubs like Dehradun, where institutions such as Graphic Era University and Doon University host many Kashmiri students. Sharma’s engagements extended to meetings with these students, who shared concerns about their safety and academic continuity, and with Kashmiri traders facing economic disruptions due to the attack’s impact on tourism and cross-state trade.
The Pahalgam attack has intensified national security measures, with the National Investigation Agency (NIA) probing the incident and authorities expelling 537 Pakistani nationals via the Attari-Wagah border by April 27, 2025. The J&K Legislative Assembly, in a session on April 28, condemned the attack and emphasized preventing alienation of innocent Kashmiris, a priority echoed by Sharma during his visit. His discussions with Dhami focused on fostering communal harmony while addressing security challenges, including Uttarakhand’s efforts to identify and repatriate Pakistani citizens.
Sharma’s interactions with the Uttarakhand administration also covered practical support, such as safe accommodations for students and assistance for businesses affected by the tourism downturn. Posts on X praised the collaborative approach, with users noting the importance of such outreach to protect J&K’s diaspora. A Kashmiri student in Dehradun expressed relief, saying, “Knowing our leaders are advocating for us makes us feel secure.”
The visit highlights the J&K government’s proactive stance in safeguarding its residents outside the Union Territory, particularly in the wake of incidents like the alleged assault of a Kashmiri student in Delhi. By engaging with Dhami and local stakeholders, Sharma underscored the shared commitment to unity and safety, aligning with the vision of a Viksit Bharat. As Kashmir navigates the attack’s aftermath, this initiative strengthens trust and solidarity, ensuring J&K students and businesses in Uttarakhand can thrive without fear.