Fatehabad: A Kashmiri youth selling warm clothes was assaulted and humiliated by a Hindu right-wing men in Haryana’s Fatehabad district, a growing pattern of targeted harassment against Kashmiri traders in several north Indian states.
According to a statement issued by the Jammu and Kashmir Students Association (JKSA), the youth was accosted in a public place, grabbed by the collar and forced to chant “Bharat Mata Ki Jai” and “Vande Mataram.” When he refused, he was threatened, choked and subjected to degrading treatment. A video of the incident is viral on the internet.
The association said similar incidents have been reported involving Kashmiri traders selling shawls and warm clothing, with allegations of intimidation, vandalism of belongings and threats preventing them from carrying out their business.
“These incidents reflect a deeply disturbing pattern of targeting Kashmiri traders. The harassment and violence show no signs of stopping,” the JKSA said, describing the situation as a “reign of terror.”
The association has appealed to Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini to intervene, ensure the identification and arrest of those responsible, and guarantee the safety and dignity of Kashmiri traders.
Meanwhile, dozens of Kashmiri shawl traders working in Himachal Pradesh have also alleged harassment, intimidation and physical assault by right-wing groups, claiming they are being forced to shut their businesses and leave the state despite decades of lawful trade.
According to the traders, the latest incident occurred on Monday in the Ghumarwin area of Bilaspur district, where several shawl sellers gathered to narrate their ordeal. They alleged they were abused, assaulted and forced to chant religious and nationalist slogans. Some claimed their mobile phones were smashed when they attempted to record the incidents.
The traders said they have been operating in Himachal Pradesh for 25 to 30 years with proper verification and valid documents, and many are sole earners supporting families back in Kashmir.
They further alleged that right-wing groups have threatened them with dire consequences, vandalised their belongings, prevented them from selling shawls and pressured landlords to evict them. Several traders said they were explicitly warned to leave Himachal Pradesh or face further attacks.
According to the traders, this is the 17th such incident involving Kashmiri traders reported in Himachal Pradesh this year. They claimed that despite repeated complaints, no concrete action has been taken so far, contributing to a growing sense of fear and insecurity.
The JKSA has appealed to Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi and Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu to intervene and ensure the safety of Kashmiri traders. An appeal has also been made to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, seeking prompt action and strict legal proceedings against those involved.
