KOLKATA: Intolerance against the people of Kashmir in the country has prompted 20-odd students and some working professionals from the city to form a group and reach out to the Kashmiris in Kolkata. The group, which was formed overnight to help Kashmiris facing discrimination and threats in the wake of the Pulwama attack, has started growing across social media platforms. The group has been named Kolkata for Kashmir and its social media pages mention names and contacts of members who have volunteered to provide support to the people from the Valley facing violence in the city.“We are a bunch of students and activists who have come together because we believe that no matter what, nothing justifies attacks on Kashmiris, Muslims and other religious minorities. If any one of you feel threatened, or are harassed, feel free to get in touch with us,” read the message on the group’s page on a social networking site.Ekabali Ghosh, a post-graduate student of Jadavpur University , felt that there was no faster way the group could connect with the Kashmiris in the city.“There is a growing intolerance among people against the Kashmiris after the Pulwama attack. We condemn terrorist activities and, in the same breath, we condemn threats to our own people,” she said.“We thought that using social media would be the fastest route to reach out to them. Our friends have started circulating the message across all platforms,” she added.Formed along the lines of the Delhi-based organization Karwan-e-Mohabbat, which supports members of the minority communities facing a fear of violence, Kolkata For Kashmir is trying to rope in as many people as possible. “Youths and young professionals have been joining us. We are getting reports of discrimination that Kashmiris are facing in the country and our aim is to stop any effort to target innocent Kashmiris,” said Mandeep Punia of Karwan-e-Mohabbat.Panchali Kar, a software professional working in an MNC, felt that hatred against the Muslims and Kashmiris was on the rise. “Cases are being reported from places like Noida, Uttarakhand and Delhi. There have not been many such cases in Kolkata, but some stray incidents are getting reported. The support group is meant to help anyone in need of shelter or legal help,” Kar said.The members have divided the city into zones and are spreading word about the group.The effort to consolidate solidarity for the Kashmiris has not been overlooked by a section of the ultra-Hindu activists and the group is already facing wrath on social media. Some members of one such organization have already started snooping on the Kolkata for Kashmir and have sent threats.“They are branding us anti-nationals and criticising our group for taking sides with the terrorists. But that cannot deter us as we are here to extend a helping hand to the innocent people,” said Ratul Dutta, another postgraduate student of Jadavpur University.

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