The Jammu and Kashmir Students Association (JKSA) on Sunday wrote a letter to the Union Government, urging its intervention amid rising cases of harassment and intimidation against Kashmiri shawl sellers across several states, including Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Haryana. The student association has written to Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
Nasir Khuehami, the convenor of JKSA, expressing concern over recurring cases of harassment and assault, said that despite assurances at various levels, Kashmiri traders continue to face hostility and violence in multiple states.
The move came after reports of harassment against Kupwara-based Kashmiri traders by a man in Himachal Pradesh, who claimed to be an army personnel and used religious slurs against Kashmiri Muslims. He further accused Kashmiri Muslims of allying with Pakistan.
In another video, two men were seen harassing and threatening a Kashmiri seller and forcing him to chant religious slogans.
The association has described the situation in Himachal Pradesh as particularly alarming, pointing to repeated incidents of harassment and intimidation faced by Kashmiri shawl sellers in various districts over the past few months.
Despite earlier complaints and promises of action from the authorities, such cases continue to be reported. The association also drew attention to a recent incident in Uttarakhand’s Almora district, where a Kashmiri shawl seller was physically assaulted. According to the group, no police action has been taken in the matter so far, which has left Kashmiri traders across the region gripped by fear and a deep sense of insecurity.
Kashmiri Seller Forced To Chant Religious Slogan In Haryana
The association mentioned an incident in Haryana’s Yamunanagar district, where a Kashmiri trader was reportedly forced to chant religious slogans and barred from selling his goods, an act it described as clear coercion, intimidation, and a serious violation of constitutional principles and communal harmony.
According to Khuehami, the police response to such incidents has been grossly inadequate. In multiple cases, FIRs have either been delayed or not registered in a timely manner, no arrests have taken place, and effective deterrent measures remain lacking.
Khuehami has written to the Union Home Minister, requesting detailed state-wise and district-wise reports from the Chief Ministers of Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Haryana.
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The reports should cover FIR registrations, arrests, ongoing prosecutions, and measures taken to prevent such incidents. He also sought specific, time-bound directives from the Centre, along with proper accountability and monitoring systems, to effectively protect the interests and safety of Kashmiri traders.