Srinagar – The Jammu and Kashmir government has pledged to address the reported harassment of Kashmiri shawl sellers in various states across the country, according to the National Conference (NC). The NC expressed serious concerns about alleged assaults on these vendors and affirmed that the J&K government would engage with the state governments concerned to resolve the issue.
NC chief Farooq Abdullah voiced his dismay, stating, "It is unfortunate that some people want to impose a Hitler-like system in this country". He expressed hope that such extremism would end, drawing a parallel to the end of Nazism.
The J&K Students Association (JKSA) has already written to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, seeking urgent intervention regarding the increasing incidents of intimidation and violence against Kashmiri students and shawl vendors, particularly in Himachal Pradesh. The association highlighted that despite repeated representations, assurances, and interventions, these incidents continue to occur with disturbing regularity, and effective action on the ground remains largely absent.
JKSA National Convenor Nasir Khuehami stated that at least 18 incidents of assault, intimidation, and harassment of Kashmiri shawl sellers have been reported in Himachal Pradesh this year. He also expressed concern that there has been no prompt or effective registration of First Information Reports (FIRs), a visible arrest, or deterrent action, creating an atmosphere of fear and impunity.
The JKSA has also documented cases from Uttarakhand, Haryana, Mumbai, and Delhi. They have written to the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), seeking their intervention into the systematic harassment, intimidation, and violence faced by Kashmiri shawl sellers and students across India. The association's letter to the NHRC highlighted that over the past ten days, more than a dozen incidents targeting Kashmiri traders and students have been reported.
Reports indicate that shawl sellers have been threatened, physically assaulted, and coerced to chant slogans. Some traders have been forced to leave their homes, resulting in the disruption of livelihoods and severe psychological distress. Kashmiri students have also faced harassment, including denial of accommodation and verbal abuse.
Other political figures have also voiced their concerns. PDP President Mehbooba Mufti urged the Jammu and Kashmir chief minister to send a ministerial team to different states to ensure the safety of Kashmiris, pointing to a growing intolerance in the country. Congress Rajya Sabha MP Randeep Singh Surjewala expressed concern, alleging that such incidents reflected a wider pattern of targeting people from different regions.
The incidents have sparked concerns about the safety and livelihood of migrant traders, with calls for coordinated action by the Centre and State governments.
