JKSA Wings Denounces Red Fort Blast, Calls for Unity, Accountability and Time-Bound Probe

Srinagar, Nov 23 : The Jammu and Kashmir Students Association along with its Medical, Paramedical, Nursing, Pharmacy and Physiotherapy Wings issued a strong condemnation of the November 10 Red Fort blast in New Delhi, terming the incident a “barbaric and senseless act of terror” that claimed eight lives and left several others injured.In a statement issued here to news agency Kashmir News Corner — KNC, the Association said the blast had “shaken the conscience of the entire nation” and served no purpose except to “spread fear, hatred, instability and distrust” within society.“We extend our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families who have lost their loved ones in this horrific incident. No words can ease their suffering, but our prayers and solidarity remain with them during this unimaginably difficult time,” the statement said, adding that the Association prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured.Urging authorities to provide full medical, psychological and financial support to the victims, the Association appealed for calm and collective resilience. “Attempts to disturb communal harmony or trigger hatred must be rejected by every responsible citizen,” it said.Calling for a transparent and time-bound investigation, the Association urged law-enforcement agencies to identify and apprehend those responsible at the earliest. It said due process was essential to ensuring justice and safeguarding national security.Reiterating its long-standing position, the Association stated: “Kashmiri students believe in India’s democracy, constitutional values and mainstream ethos. We strongly reject terrorism, separatism, secessionism, radicalisation, or any ideology that seeks to weaken, divide, or destabilise the nation.”It added that Kashmiri families have made “immense sacrifices” for India and have always upheld dignity, resilience and loyalty to the country’s unity and progress.The Association assured full cooperation with investigation agencies, saying: “Anyone involved in such a heinous act, directly or indirectly, is neither a friend of Kashmir nor a representative of any religious community. Terror has no religion, no region, and no identity.”Expressing concern over reports of harassment and profiling of Kashmiri students in various institutions, the Association said: “Every Kashmiri is an Indian, unconditionally. We strongly oppose the harassment, intimidation, hate, bigotry and profiling that some Kashmiri students have faced.”The statement added that Kashmiri students continue to contribute to the nation through universities, hospitals, laboratories, technology sectors, public institutions and start-ups.Condemning any attempt to justify violence through religion, the Association said: “When suicide is haram in Islam, suicide bombing is equally and unequivocally haram. It involves taking one’s own life and killing innocent people, both strictly prohibited in Islam.”It noted that the Qur’an equates the killing of one innocent person with “killing all of humanity,” and emphasised that Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) forbade harming non-combatants and civilians under all circumstances. “Any justification offered by Mr Umar or anyone else is misguided, dangerous and contrary to Islamic teachings. Such narratives distort religion, fuel extremism, and mislead young minds,” it said.The Association’s Medical, Nursing, Paramedical, Pharmacy and Physiotherapy Wings also voiced concern over reports suggesting the involvement of individuals from health-related professions. “It is deeply disturbing. If anyone is found guilty, strict legal action must follow. But no professional community should be maligned without evidence,” they said.The Association reiterated its faith in the justice system. “Law-enforcement agencies must investigate independently and thoroughly. The guilty must be punished, and the innocent must be protected. Such acts of violence cannot and will not shake our resolve to heal, protect, serve and build a peaceful nation.”“At this sensitive hour, we stand firmly with the nation. We pray for peace, justice and healing. Our hearts, solidarity, and commitment to unity remain unwavering,” the Association added. (KNC)