Pune police commissioner Rashmi Shukla connects with Valley students
The boardroom at the Sarhad School in Katraj was full of eager students from various parts of Kashmir, each waiting for their turn to interact with Shukla.
Sarhad, an educational organisation dedicated to peace and humanity, held an interaction with Pune police commissioner Rashmi Shukla and students of Jammu and Kashmir studying in various colleges across Pune.
The boardroom at the Sarhad School in Katraj was full of eager students from various parts of Kashmir, each waiting for their turn to interact with Shukla.
Owais Wani, a student from the Valley, said, “We want to feel at home and Sarhad has given us that feeling. But outside, we are still treated like an alien.”
He recounted his story of being called for an interview in a BPO in Pune and was turned down despite being qualified and was labelled as a terrorist by the people interviewing him.
Mukhtar Ahmed Dar, another student said, “Don’t label us without knowing us. Please don’t be judgmental. We are also here to live with you in peace.”
Mohammade Umer studying at Sarhad said, “We often hear from our friends that others warn them from being friends with us. Since we are from Kashmir, we are automatically labelled as bad company, though I must say that Pune has been the friendliest city for me.”
After listening to the experiences of the students, Shukla said, “Even normal people are afraid to go to the police. It is because of the image that has been created by the Britishers that we are suppose to brandish our power. I am always available to help you.” She also plans to hold a ‘Know what is Kashmir’ festival, a two-day event to be held at the police grounds.