Srinagar, Feb 01, KDC: The Jammu and Kashmir Students Association (JKSA) on Sunday expressed deep concern after a fresh and disturbing case of alleged harassment and assault involving a Kashmiri shawl seller was reported from Congress-ruled Himachal Pradesh, just days after two Kashmiri shawl seller brothers were brutally assaulted in Uttarakhand.
National Convenor of the Association, Nasir Khuehami, said that a Kashmiri shawl seller, Mohd Ramzan, was allegedly harassed, intimidated, and later assaulted in Kangra district by a right-wing activist identified as Surjeet Rajput Guleria. He added that the same individual is reportedly involved in at least three similar incidents targeting Kashmiri shawl sellers last month as well.
Khuehami stated that despite repeatedly asserting that he is an Indian citizen, Mohd Ramzan was allegedly forced to “prove” his identity, threatened, and issued an ultimatum to leave the state. His shawl bundles were reportedly checked, and he was mockingly accused of carrying an AK-47 instead of Kashmiri shawls; an act the association described as humiliating, dangerously communal, unlawful, and inciteful.
He further said that Kashmiri traders in the area have been systematically intimidated, threatened, and prevented from selling their shawls, with warnings issued to vacate the region. Calling it the fourth such incident in Himachal Pradesh this year, JKSA noted that this was not an isolated episode but part of a recurring and deeply troubling pattern. Over the past year, multiple cases of harassment and intimidation against Kashmiri shawl sellers have been reported in Himachal. However, in most instances, either no FIR was registered or complaints were diluted. Despite several reported incidents, only a single FIR has been lodged so far, highlighting a disturbing culture of impunity.
The association said it was deeply ironic and alarming that such incidents continue unabated in states governed by parties that otherwise claim to uphold constitutional values, pluralism, and minority protection. “The silence and lack of outrage in INDIA-bloc-ruled states is conspicuous. Selective condemnation and selective protection undermine the very idea of justice and equal citizenship,” it said. “For decades, Kashmiri shawl sellers have contributed significantly to the local economy of Himachal Pradesh and have become an integral part of its social and cultural fabric. Today, however, they are being pushed into fear and insecurity solely because of their identity,” the association said.
Association strongly criticised the Himachal Pradesh government and slammed Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu for his inaction and failure to act decisively despite repeated incidents and warnings. “The absence of swift arrests, preventive measures, and clear political messaging has emboldened fringe elements and sent a dangerous signal that harassment of Kashmiri traders can continue without consequences,” it added.
JKSA appealed to the Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh to intervene immediately, ensure the prompt identification and arrest of those responsible, and issue clear directions to the police and district administrations to protect Kashmiri traders and their livelihoods. This growing atmosphere of hatred and threats has the potential to destroy livelihoods built over generations and further alienate an already vulnerable community.
