JK Students Association flags harassment of Kashmiri shawl sellers in Himachal, seeks Centre’s intervention

Convener News Desk 

 

Srinagar, Dec 29: The Jammu and Kashmir Students Association (JKSA) has written to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, seeking urgent intervention over what it described as a continued rise in incidents of harassment, intimidation and targeted violence against Kashmiri students and traditional shawl sellers in Himachal Pradesh.

 

In its letter, the association said that while incidents involving Kashmiri students and traders have been reported in several northern states over the past year, Himachal Pradesh has emerged as a “matter of particular concern”, with repeated incidents continuing despite representations and assurances at various levels.

 

National Convenor of JKSA, Nasir Khuehami, said that at least 18 incidents involving assault, intimidation or harassment of Kashmiri shawl sellers have been reported in Himachal Pradesh this year alone.

 

He alleged that in several cases, there was either delay or failure in the registration of FIRs, absence of arrests and a lack of deterrent action, leading to a sense of fear among the affected community.

 

The association said the situation has caused psychological distress among Kashmiri students and traders, with some reportedly leaving the state, resulting in disruption of education and loss of livelihood. It termed the situation a failure of administration to ensure safety, dignity and lawful economic activity.

 

The letter also cautioned that such incidents have wider implications, stating that treatment of Kashmiris outside the Union Territory is closely watched in the Valley, and that repeated targeting without accountability could deepen alienation and undermine trust.

 

Reiterating that Kashmiris are equal citizens of the country, the association said allowing harassment of traders and students to continue unchecked risks social division and harms national cohesion.

 

JKSA urged the Union Home Minister to seek a detailed report from the Himachal Pradesh government on all reported incidents over the past year, including the status of FIRs, arrests and prosecutions, and to issue directions for time-bound action, fixing accountability where lapses have occurred. It also sought implementation of security and monitoring mechanisms to protect Kashmiri students and traders in the state.

 

The association expressed hope that timely intervention by the Union Home Ministry would help restore confidence among affected families and reaffirm the government’s commitment to safeguarding constitutional rights and citizen safety.