A recent incident in Uttarakhand, where a Kashmiri shawl seller was allegedly assaulted and forced to chant religious slogans, has sparked outrage and drawn strong reactions from political figures and the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). The incident, which occurred on December 22, 2025, in the Manpur area of Kashipur, involved Bilal Ahmed Ganie, a 28-year-old shawl vendor from Kupwara, Kashmir.

According to reports, Ganie was stopped by a group of men who, after learning he was from Kashmir, allegedly forced him to chant religious slogans. When he refused, the men verbally and physically assaulted him. They also allegedly attempted to rob him of his merchandise and cash, and threatened him against returning to the area.

The incident gained traction after a video of the assault surfaced on social media. Udham Singh Nagar Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Manikant Mishra stated that the police took immediate action to remove the video from social media platforms to prevent social tension.

Police have registered a case and detained some suspects. According to SSP Mishra's office, an FIR was registered at Kashipur police station under several sections of the BNS. The police have identified the men seen in the viral video and taken them into custody and assured that a fair and thorough investigation is being conducted and strict legal action against the guilty will be ensured. Ankur Singh, identified as a local Bajrang Dal leader, is alleged to be the primary accused, leading a group of five men in the assault.

Bilal Ahmed Ganie has been selling shawls in Uttarakhand for the past eight years during the winter months to support his family. He stated that he was traveling with his stock in Pratap Pur when five men on two bikes stopped him and began beating and humiliating him. He also added that bystanders goaded the mob by hurling abuses at him, and no one stepped in to stop them. Ganie initially hesitated to file a complaint due to fear of reprisal but later relented after police urged him to do so.

The MHA has taken a strong stance on the incident, asserting that such acts against Kashmiri shawl sellers will not be tolerated. A top official from the MHA emphasized that Kashmiri traders are equal Indian citizens and are constitutionally entitled to work anywhere in India. The ministry's intervention has prompted the Uttarakhand Director General of Police (DGP) and the Governor to prioritize the case and initiate a full-scale crackdown on the accused.

The incident has also drawn political condemnation. Peoples Democratic Party chief Mehbooba Mufti urged the Uttarakhand police chief to ensure accountability for the perpetrators and prevent future occurrences.

SSP Mishra has appealed to the public to refrain from circulating provocative content online and has assured that any attempt to disrupt law and order and social harmony will not be tolerated. Police also offered assistance to Ganie and urged him to lodge a complaint.