Convener News Desk
New Delhi, Jan 19: Amid reports of harassment and targeted assaults against Kashmiri shawl sellers in parts of north India, a delegation of the Jammu and Kashmir Students Association (JKSA), led by its National Convenor Nasir Khuehami, on Sunday met AICC Chairman, Media and Publicity, Pawan Khera, and raised concerns over what it termed a growing pattern of intimidation and violence against Kashmiri traders, particularly in Himachal Pradesh.
Khuehami, accompanied by JKSA National Spokesperson Dr Zubair Reshi and Delhi State General Secretary Peerzada Kafeel, apprised Khera of recent incidents in Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Haryana, where Kashmiri shawl sellers have allegedly been subjected to threats, coercion and physical assaults. He said that despite earlier assurances and interventions, incidents continue to be reported from several districts in Himachal Pradesh, pointing to what he described as administrative apathy and lack of effective police response.
According to the delegation, specific cases from Almora in Uttarakhand and Yamunanagar in Haryana reflect a troubling trend of delayed or non-registration of FIRs and inadequate action against perpetrators, creating fear and insecurity among Kashmiri traders who depend on seasonal trade for their livelihood.
Expressing concern over the issue, Khera described the incidents as deeply disturbing and said such acts have no place in a civilised and democratic society. He asserted that fringe elements driven by hate and intolerance cannot be allowed to undermine constitutional values or disrupt social harmony. Khera assured the delegation that he would personally take up the matter with Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu and raise the issue at appropriate levels to ensure accountability and corrective measures.
Khuehami said the continued targeting of Kashmiri traders not only threatens their livelihoods but also risks deepening alienation and mistrust. “Kashmiris are equal citizens of this country. Forcing them out of cities through fear, intimidation or violence is a direct assault on the Constitution, the rule of law and the idea of India,” he said.
The association stressed that communal intimidation and hate-driven vigilantism must be dealt with firmly and without discrimination. It called for time-bound directions to state authorities, strict action against those involved, fixing of responsibility where lapses have occurred, and credible security mechanisms to ensure the safety and dignity of Kashmiri shawl sellers across northern states.
JKSA said it would continue to engage with political leadership and institutions to press for justice and ensure that the rule of law prevails, reiterating that India’s strength lies in unity, constitutional morality and respect for diversity.
Comments are closed.