LGBTQ Kashmiri students targeted after terrorist attack

Baisalan Valley, a Cash mill The meadow surrounded by pine trees was bustling with Hindu tourists on April 22nd.

The family wore philan (traditional Kashmiri clothes) for the photo, but the pony ran along the Ridha River. The shooting shattered the peace when five terrorists fired. They targeted Hindu men and checked their religion before shooting them. The terrorists killed 26 people – 25 tourists, including a naval officer on his honeymoon – and Syed Adil Hussain Shah, a pony guide who died to protect others. More than 20 other people were injured.

Resistance Front, a Pakistan-based group linked to Lashkar-e-Taibathe terrorist group initially argued liability for the attack, but withdrew the claim three days later, fearing India’s diplomatic and military response, including tightening the border and suspending the Indus Water Treaty.

The attack sparked rage across India.

Targeted misdirected anger Kashmir students In other cities where Dehradun, Jalandhar, and LGBTQ people have increased their vulnerability. They endured the threat of harassment, eviction and violence. J&K Student Association Kashmir Prime Minister reported more than 1,000 distress calls Omar Abdullah They urged the state to protect them.

Activists from all over India gathered to help LGBTQ Kashmir students in the city.

Harish Iyer, a well-known activist, provided them with shelter and legal support in Mumbai, the country’s financial hub.

“Religion is a tool used by terrorists around the world and ensures that victims distract their energies to fight each other while continuing to focus on our destruction,” Iyer said. “It’s a trial and tested formula designed to split us while we should be united against them.”

Iyer told the Washington Blade that he saw a video of Kashmiri students being targeted.

“From some intersections, hatred gets worse,” he said. “Being a part of an identity like queer, Muslim, Kashmir creates something vulnerable. It is important that love opens the house at the moment when hatred reveals its fangs.”

Iyer said he received several calls from queer people in northern India who were attacked. He offered to pay for a trip to Mumbai and other cities, but they eventually told him that they found a safe place.

“It restores our collective faith in humanity and claims that there are kind people everywhere,” Iyer says. “Communities are united with one another against fear.”

He emphasized, “The intersectional reality makes us the most vulnerable” and “that’s why we need to stand up and put the best of who we are as strange people.” Iyer told Blade that other strange activists in India are trying to do it quietly by opening homes to targeted people.

“Anish Gwande, queer spokesman for the National Congress Party, has worked hard to restore peace in the valley,” he noted. “He has done a good job in the Kashmir Valley for a few years. I really admire his courage and honesty. But really, it’s the everyday queer Indians who defend kindness that matters.”

“They may not be known to everyone and may not follow their fans on social media or have a few followers, but they are opening their homes and their world to those affected,” Iyer added. “Sometimes, love does not pour vision in, sometimes quietly protects and makes your heart beat and creates a home.”

Gawande has been working for Kashmir since 2012 and runs a program for Kashmiri Journalism students and art residencies.

He acknowledged the increased violence against Kashmir students. Ghawande also said that LGBTQ Kashmiri students face unique challenges as they are “minority minority”.

“In these challenging times, several activists like Harish Iyer have stepped forward to providing support to young Kashmiri LGBTQ students who are afraid of their own safety,” he said. “The intention of the terrorists was to separate us. They cannot make their strategy a success. We are extremely grateful to the many members and allies of the queer community who have stepped forward to helping all Kasimiris during this difficult time.”

Ghawande said it supports the efforts of student leaders, including Nasir Kuehami of the J&K Student Association, who are making major efforts to ensure that Kashmiris across India remains safe and secure. Ghawande also said government officials, politicians and law enforcement agencies are working to protect students.

“We are grateful to both the central and state governments across the country for their prompt support on this issue,” Gwande said. “In these difficult times, when emotions get high, we continue to unite against hatred.”

“Today, there are attempts to create a division between the Indians and Kashmiris between Hindus and Muslims,” ​​he added. “We must stand up to such an attempt with one voice.”

Last weekend, Ghawande traveled to Srinagar, the capital of Kashmir, and led numerous fith prayer services in temples, churches, gurdwaras (sykh worship places) and dharga (shy), and “breathing life in Pahargam and sending a message of joint harmony.”

“When attempts are made to divide us for religious reasons, we must unite through religion,” he said.

Gawande also spoke directly to Kashmiri LGBTQ students and urged them to reach out to the J&K Student Association. He said his New Delhi home and his party offices around the country are “available to those who need a safe space or a place to grieve.”

“In this age of sadness, when we all grieve at the loss of despicable lives, it’s important to stand up to the righteousness,” Gwande said. “Querness taught us that we have two different kinds of families of birth and choice.”

“Kashmir holds a special place in my heart. When there is the happiness of those who think their families are under threat, there is no question even thinking about the dangers of my own safety,” he added.