Kashmiri Students Under Verification in Meerut After Delhi Red Fort Blast

Meerut, UP: Following the recent terrorist blast at Delhi’s Red Fort, authorities have placed the entire state on high alert. The Meerut zone has been categorized as a highly sensitive area, and special scrutiny has been initiated on Kashmiri students studying in local colleges and universities.

According to official sources, nearly 600 Kashmiri students are enrolled across various institutions in the Meerut zone, including Subharti University, Shobhit University, and the Agriculture University, among others. Due to security concerns, the exact number of students at each institution is being kept confidential.

Verification Process
A joint team comprising the Local Intelligence Unit (LIU), Intelligence Bureau, and Meerut Police is conducting the verification process. Over half of the students have already been screened. Police officials clarified that, so far, no evidence of anti-national or suspicious activities has been found among the students. However, intelligence agencies remain vigilant, closely monitoring student activities.

Past Incidents
Meerut has witnessed cases involving Kashmiri students in the past. In 2014, the former Vice-Chancellor of Subharti University lodged a complaint with the intelligence agency regarding Kashmiri students allegedly raising anti-national slogans after Pakistan’s victory in the Asia Cup. The students were initially suspended but later allowed to continue their studies. Similarly, in 2017, some Kashmiri students at Kalka Dental College reportedly celebrated Pakistan’s win and raised anti-national slogans, a video of which went viral on social media. Since these incidents, authorities and intelligence agencies have maintained heightened vigilance over Kashmiri students in the region.

Holiday Students Also Under Scrutiny
Meerut SSP Dr. Vipin Tada stated that colleges and universities have been asked to provide information regarding student attendance, behavior, and activities. Even students currently on leave are being verified. Dr. Tada emphasized that innocent students will not be harassed, and the verification drive will continue until all students have been thoroughly screened.