Kashmiri shawl seller harassed, forced to chant slogan in Himachal; JKSA seeks FIR

Kangra: The Jammu and Kashmir Students Association (JKSA) has condemned the alleged harassment of a Kashmiri shawl seller in Himachal Pradesh, where he was reportedly forced to chant “Bharat Mata Ki Jai” and threatened with eviction if he continued his business.

According to the association, the incident occurred in the Dera area of Kangra district. The shawl seller, a resident of Kupwara in north Kashmir, allegedly refused to chant the slogan, stating that while he loves India, the Constitution guarantees him the right to express his patriotism in his own way.

JKSA National Convenor Nasir Khuehami described the incident as coercive, humiliating and a violation of constitutional values. He said this was the 15th case this year involving harassment of Kashmiri shawl sellers across the country, indicating what he termed a “disturbing pattern” of targeting traders earning their livelihood outside Jammu and Kashmir.

“Forcing anyone to chant slogans to prove patriotism is unconstitutional and deeply degrading. The Constitution of India does not compel any citizen to chant any slogan,” Khuehami said, adding that patriotism cannot be enforced through intimidation or fear.

The association urged Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu to intervene and direct the police to register an FIR against those involved under relevant provisions of law. It also sought strict action to prevent what it called communal vigilantism.

Khuehami said Kashmiri shawl sellers have lived and worked peacefully in Himachal Pradesh for decades, contributing to local economies, but repeated incidents of harassment were creating fear and insecurity among traders and their families.

“Nothing damages the idea of India in Kashmir more than the routine humiliation of Kashmiris, even as the narrative of ‘atoot ang’ is pushed,” he said, adding that genuine integration must be based on dignity, respect and empathy.

The JKSA demanded immediate steps to ensure the safety and security of Kashmiri traders and called on the state government to issue clear instructions to district administrations to prevent harassment or profiling based on identity or region.