For generations, Punjab served as a sanctuary for Kashmiris—a place for trade, higher education, and medical treatment. Today, that historic bond is fraying under the weight of rising hostility, systemic discrimination, and a climate of fear.
Recent violent episodes have shattered the sense of security for the nearly 30,000 Kashmiri students currently enrolled in Punjabi universities. In October 2026, two buses carrying Kashmiris were targeted in separate stone-pelting incidents in Ludhiana and Karnal, leaving passengers, including the elderly, with serious injuries. These attacks, paired with the recurring news of “mysterious” deaths among Kashmiri youth in hostels, have created a pervasive atmosphere of anxiety.
While historical ties between the two regions date back to the Sikh and Dogra eras, the current reality for many Kashmiris is defined by caution. Students and traders report that the welcoming environment of the past has been replaced by a “tinge of hatred” and the persistent fear of being “othered.”
“I heard wonderful stories about communal harmony in Punjab from my grandfather, but upon arriving, the image I had was shattered,” says twenty-year-old student Shakir Wani. He notes that the rise in intolerant rhetoric—often mirroring broader national political shifts—has made everyday life a balancing act of silence and vigilance.
The challenges extend beyond physical safety. A growing “space crisis” has left many struggling to secure housing. Real estate brokers and landlords, fearful of being associated with any incident that could be perceived as “terror-related,” have increasingly barred Kashmiri tenants. “When news of any security incident hits the headlines, it becomes nearly impossible to find a room,” says one resident, noting that this discrimination has spiked significantly over the last two years.
Compounding these social pressures is a public health crisis. Punjab, which grapples with a high rate of substance abuse, has become a dangerous environment for young people living far from home for the first time. Reports indicate that easy access to drugs has led to addiction and, in several tragic instances, the death of Kashmiri students in their rented accommodations. Many view these substance-related issues as a desperate escape from the mounting stress of discrimination and the pressure of being away from their families.
Despite the prevailing hostility, many Kashmiris acknowledge that the native Punjabi population often remains helpful and, in times of crisis, has even offered refuge. Yet, the systemic nature of the current challenges—ranging from housing blacklists to targeted mob violence—has left the Kashmiri community feeling vulnerable.
For thousands, the move to Punjab is not a matter of choice, but one of necessity. With limited professional education opportunities and a saturated job market at home, these youngsters are forced to navigate a precarious path. As violence continues to flare, the question of their safety remains an urgent concern for families across the Valley, casting a long shadow over the future of a once-hallowed cross-border relationship.
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