Harvard faces student opposition to the “Pakistan Conference” due to anger over Pahargam attacks | Video | Indian News
Harvard’s South Asia Institute has been targeted by fierce student criticism for organizing a “Pakistan Conference” within days after the recent deadly terrorist attacks in Pahargam, Jamu and Kashmir. The event was condemned as a legal account allegedly related to state-funded terrorism and is insensitive to victims of what students call “targeted, religious-based massacre.”
In response to ANI, Harvard student Surabi Tomar said with concern: “The outrageous attack by Pahalgam was a religious-based target attack. When Harvard invites officials, especially those who ideologically prove such behavior, it has the potential to legitimize the state-sponsored horror narrative on our campus.”
#watch |Cambridge, USA: “We should not be silent after a faith-based killing, which is our belief. We consulted our peers. We have a lot of support for you.” pic.twitter.com/dhaeifgn8k– ani (@ani) April 30, 2025
Tomar explained that although the meeting was pre-planned, the timing of the Pahargam attack five days after it made it even more controversial. “Even by chance, we think it’s inappropriate for universities like Harvard to provide a platform for such sounds,” she added.
Tomar also revealed that the students had written to U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, asking him to refuse to support official visas to ideological extremists. She added: “We have adopted a common moral obligation. It’s not random violence. It’s religious persecution. We urge Harvard to oppose Needupphobia.”
Another student, Rashmini Koparkar, also criticized the activity’s insensitivity. “We hope our guests can at least recognize the Pahargam attack. The condemnation was an thoughtful gesture. Many of the spokespersons were officials from a country that has long harbored cross-border terrorism.”
In the bank, Harvard’s South Asia Institute issued a statement in support of the conference. It expressed condolences to Pahalgam’s attack victims while reiterating that the event was organized independently by students and their faculty advisers.
“The institute supports academic research every year and collaborates in multiple events.’The Pakistan Conference held on April 27, 2025 is completely student-oriented. We have not consulted any benefactors in the process.” “We share our sorrow and pain with friends and colleagues in India affected by the April 22 attack, and we express our heartfelt condolences.”
The scandal has sparked wider controversy over the academic responsibility, freedom and limitations of political sensitivities on university campuses around the world.
