The Jammu and Kashmir Students’ Association on Saturday expressed deep sorrow over the sudden and tragic death of Kashmiri student Imaad Ahmad Sheikh at CGC College in Mohali, Punjab. He was a second-year student from Baramulla District. In a statement, the Association’s National Media Coordinator, Osheeba Bashir, demanded a thorough and impartial investigation into the mysterious death. She mentioned that the Association has raised the matter with the Punjab Chief Minister’s office and also spoken to Punjab Assembly Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan, bringing the matter to his attention.
She stressed the need for a fair investigation and requested the authorities’ intervention to ensure that the probe reaches a logical conclusion. The Association appealed to the Chief Minister of Punjab, Bhagwant Mann, to constitute a team to probe the mysterious death of the Jammu and Kashmir student. As they mourn the loss of a young life, it is crucial to address the broader issue of student mental health and create a safe and supportive environment for all students, especially those from distant regions like Jammu and Kashmir. The welfare of students should always remain at the forefront of the education system, she said.
The Association stands with the bereaved family during this difficult time and hopes that justice will prevail. They have also appealed to the central government to take necessary measures to ensure foolproof security for Kashmiri students across various states in the country. The Association believes it is crucial to safeguard Kashmiri students from any form of harassment or mistreatment.
She emphasized the need for a fair investigation into the incident and requested the authorities to ensure the investigation reached a logical conclusion. She expressed deep sympathies to the bereaved family of the deceased, praying for eternal peace for the departed soul and granting courage to the family members to bear this irreparable loss. She appealed to the Chief Minister to constitute a team to probe the mysterious death case of the Kashmiri student. “We urge the Chief Minister of Punjab to expedite the probe to ascertain the truth behind the sudden death of this Kashmiri student and to expose any foul play if present,” she added.
Over the past 4-5 years, around a dozen Kashmiri students have died under similar mysterious circumstances. An impartial investigation must be conducted to understand why such events are happening frequently, especially in a state that appears to be friendly to Kashmiris, she emphasized. This trend is alarming and raises serious concerns about the safety and well-being of Kashmiri students studying in Punjab. The Punjab Chief Minister must address these issues to prevent further tragedies and ensure a safe environment for all Kashmiri students, she asserted.
The Association has thanked Punjab Assembly Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan for his help and coordination in expediting the process of returning the deceased student’s body to his family.
