Kashmiri Students at Delhi University: Between Security and Surveillance
Recently, Delhi University (DU) issued a directive asking all affiliated colleges to collect personal information from students belonging to Jammu & Kashmir — including Aadhaar numbers and local addresses. The official reason? Safety.
But is that the full picture?
The Directive: What Happened?
On April 25, DU’s Proctor’s Office sent an email to colleges asking them to compile a list of all students from J&K. Colleges were instructed to submit this data by April 29. According to DU officials, this was based on a request from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), following intelligence inputs and reports of harassment faced by Kashmiri students in other parts of the country.
While the stated intent is to ensure security, the execution has sparked worry among the students directly affected.
Students React: Safety or Profiling?
For many Kashmiri students, this sudden request felt like surveillance more than support. Several have questioned why such detailed personal data is being collected again — especially when most of it was already submitted during admission.
The lack of clarity has only amplified concerns. “If this is truly about our safety, why weren’t we informed directly? Why does it feel like we’re being singled out?” one student told DuWaale.
Is This Happening Elsewhere?
Interestingly, other universities like JNU and Jamia Millia Islamia, which also have large numbers of Kashmiri students, reported no such orders. This inconsistency raises concerns over whether this is a targeted action rather than a systemic policy.
And this isn’t the first time something like this has happened. In 2022, Aligarh Muslim University issued a similar circular — and later had to withdraw it due to backlash.
The Bigger Questions
At DuWaale, we’re not here to take sides. But we do believe in asking the right questions:
- Is the data being collected for protection — or for profiling?
- How will the data be stored and used?
- Why weren’t students officially informed or assured?
- Can student safety be ensured without compromising privacy?
What Should Be Done?
- Transparent Communication: Students deserve to know why their data is being collected.
- Data Privacy Guidelines: Universities must clearly state how personal data will be used and protected.
- Support, Not Surveillance: If safety is the goal, create systems of support — helplines, safety audits, dedicated grievance redressal cells — not just spreadsheets of Aadhaar numbers.
Conclusion
In a time where student rights, safety, and privacy must go hand in hand, DU’s move raises more questions than it answers. If we want to protect students from marginalised regions like Kashmir, we must first make them feel respected, not watched.
From DuWaale’s desk — we stand for education with dignity, and dialogue over directives.
