Our students studying outside first victim of hate crimes: Waheed Parra

Srinagar, Mar 30: Member of Legislative Assembly from Pulwama Waheed Ur Rehman Parra on Monday said that Kashmiri students studying outside J&K become first victim of hate crimes and global tensions due to lack of institutions in Valley.

Speaking in the Legislative Assembly while introducing a private member’s bill, Parra sought establishment of a residential and technical University in the J&K UT to offer higher learning in various streams.

“The  University will be set up by utilising the surplus funds of Kashmir Creative Educational  Foundation, a Society,” he said.

However, the proposed legislation faced opposition from the government.

MLA Pulwama however urged the government to at least consider the bill citing that it was for the benefit of the lakhs of students who move outside to pursue higher education.

He said the institution could be developed by utilising surplus funds of the Kashmir Creative Educational Foundation, a society willing to finance the project.

He pointed out the absence of private universities in J&K and told the House that while nearly 500 such institutions exist across the country, J&K continues to lag behind.

He said the proposed university would not impose any financial burden on the government and could serve as a model for similar institutions in other districts.

He also referred to the growing risks faced by students studying outside the region, particularly during international crises.

Referring to recent tensions in countries such as Bangladesh, Iran and Kazakhstan, he said thousands of Kashmiri students pursuing education there often find themselves in distress.

“Whenever there is a crisis or even a sporting event, Kashmiri students become soft targets. Several incidents of hate crimes against them have been reported over the years,” he said.

He further pointed out the financial strain on families and said that students studying outside J&K spend nearly Rs 1 lakh annually, leading to a significant outflow of resources.

“With an estimated one lakh students studying across the country, nearly Rs 100 crore is spent outside the J&K every year,” he said.

He said that establishing private universities within J&K could help retain students, reduce financial burden on families, and create a safer academic environment.

He proposed that setting up the university in Pulwama under the name “Alamdari Kashmir,” backed by a private institution willing to invest its own funds.

The bill however faced opposition from the government. However, Parra urged the authorities not to reject it outright and instead keep it under consideration in view of the larger benefits for students.

“This is not merely a proposal but a solution to multiple challenges including safety, affordability and access to higher education,” he said.

He appealed to the government to take a pragmatic view of the initiative.