Kashmiri shawl sellers in HP allege harassment, bag checks and movement restrictions; JK MLA steps in

Kashmiri shawl sellers in Himachal Pradesh are reportedly facing increasing harassment and profiling, with several vendors alleging that locals have been stopping them, forcibly checking their bags, and questioning them on suspicion of carrying weapons or explosives. In a fresh video posted by the Jammu and Kashmir Students Association, two shawl sellers can be seen being harassed by a local.

Many claim they are unable to move freely unless they first obtain verification from the panchayat and local police — restrictions that have created an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty among those working in the region.

Vendors have also said that repeated suspicion and arbitrary checks make it difficult for them to earn their livelihood and have left their families back in Kashmir anxious after videos of the alleged harassment surfaced online.

Only after these concerns went viral did Kupwara MLA Fayaz Mir intervene. Mir said he has taken up the matter with Himachal Pradesh Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla, informing him about the growing pattern of profiling Kashmiris who work outside the Union Territory, as per KNT.

According to the MLA, the Governor assured him he would speak to the Director General of Police and the concerned Deputy Commissioner to ensure appropriate action is taken.

Mir further urged the state’s leadership to guarantee the safety and dignity of Kashmiri workers and expressed hope that the Himachal administration will move swiftly to prevent such incidents.