The Progressive Students Forum (PSF), a left student collective in Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), Mumbai, has raised a serious complaint with the Office of Student Affairs (OSA) regarding a surge of hate speech targeting Muslims in the aftermath of the recent Pahalgam militant attack.
According to PSF, instances of Islamophobic remarks were circulated within official TISS WhatsApp groups, creating a hostile environment for minority students on campus.
In a mail to the OSA, PSF highlighted that on April 23, a solidarity gathering was organised on campus to mourn the victims of the Pahalgam attack. However, tensions flared during the event, with verbal altercations and provocative behavior reportedly taking place.
Despite the presence of administration members and security guards, PSF alleges that no immediate action was taken to de-escalate the situation.
The complaint further notes that on the following day, hate-filled messages targeting Muslims were shared in a WhatsApp group that included even senior faculty members, such as the Dean of the School of Social Work.
Students who raised concerns over the hateful remarks were allegedly removed from administrative positions in the group, exacerbating the already charged atmosphere.
“TISS has historically been an inclusive and safe space. However, the recent developments have disturbed the ethos of the campus,” PSF said in its statement.
They urged the administration to intervene promptly to ensure the safety and well-being of all students, and to take appropriate action against those responsible for spreading hatred.
The Forum also attached screenshots of the alleged hate speech in their communication to the administration and emphasized the urgent need to maintain the institute’s tradition of inclusivity and respect.
TISS administration has yet to issue an official response regarding the matter.
, a left student collective in Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), Mumbai, has raised a serious complaint with the Office of Student Affairs (OSA) regarding a surge of hate speech targeting Muslims in the aftermath of the recent Pahalgam militant attack.){kind=link}