Amid reports of Kashmiris pursuing college in states away from their home coming under physical attack and facing threats following the Pahalgam terror attack, those studying in Tamil Nadu say they feel protected and are being treated with dignity.

Nasir Khuehami, national convenor of the Jammu and Kashmir Students Association, said that the students in Tamil Nadu are in constant touch with the chief minister’s office in Srinagar, which in turn is coordinating with the TN authorities to monitor the situation, according to a report by The New Indian Express.

“We did not get any distress calls or complaints of harassment by any right-wing Hindutva groups or anyone from Tamil Nadu. Whenever incidents happen elsewhere, Kashmiri students are often forced to prove their nationalism, but in Tamil Nadu, we are treated with dignity, without prejudice,” he said.

Minister for Higher Education Govi Chezhiaan told The New Indian Express that all Kashmiri students across institutions are safe.

“We are alert to any concerns and have asked colleges to report any untoward incidents. District collectors have been instructed to take cognisance of the situation. Even if minor threats arise, immediate steps will be taken to ensure students’ security,” he said.

She said as per the circular, “Diplomatic and official visas will, however, remain valid, with any deadline to exit India to be decided by the Ministry of External Affairs. Long-term visas issued to Pakistani citizens will also remain valid. There shall also be no restriction on the issue of new diplomatic and official visas or long-term visas.”