Srinagar: Hurriyat leader Mirwaiz Umar Farooq has strongly condemned the recent assault on Kashmiri shawl vendors in Mussoorie, terming it a disturbing reflection of the rising hostility faced by Kashmiris across India. In a statement, he said the physical and verbal abuse of the traders, who were reportedly forced to flee after police failed to guarantee their safety, points to a dangerous trend of targeting ordinary Kashmiris.
“After mass detentions, home demolitions, and relentless crackdowns within Kashmir, now students, traders, and citizens from J&K are being harassed and forced to return from other states,” Mirwaiz said.
He also expressed anguish over what he called the “vilification” of Kashmiris, even as they mourned and condemned the recent attack in Pahalgam. “Despite being victims of decades of violence and suffering, Kashmiris’ grief and empathy for the Pahalgam bloodbath came straight from the heart. Yet, they continue to be vilified,” he added.
Mirwaiz appealed to the people of India to reject hatred and media-driven propaganda that fuels mistrust against Kashmiris. “Kashmiris have always shown care and hospitality to visitors in times of crisis. It’s time the same spirit is shown toward them.”
Calling the treatment of Kashmiris inside and outside the region “collective punishment,” he said such actions are unjust and inhuman, and urged for immediate steps to safeguard their dignity and safety.
