Harassment continues despite assurances, says Mirwaiz after another Kashmiri vendor faces assault in Haryana

Srinagar: Mirwaiz Umar Farooq on Wednesday described the alleged assault on a Kashmiri vendor in Haryana as “very disturbing,” saying incidents of harassment against Kashmiris continue unchecked despite repeated assurances from those in power.

“Despite assurances by those at the helm, harassment of Kashmiris continues, unchecked and unpunished. This must stop immediately,” the Mirwaiz said in a statement. He termed the issue a “basic human rights concern” involving safety, security and dignity, and said it was the obligation of those in authority to ensure protection.

The Mirwaiz’s remarks came after a Kashmiri youth selling warm clothes was allegedly assaulted and humiliated by a right-wing individual in Haryana’s Fatehabad district. According to the Jammu and Kashmir Students Association (JKSA), the vendor was accosted in a public place, grabbed by the collar and forced to chant “Bharat Mata Ki Jai” and “Vande Mataram.”

When the youth refused, he was allegedly threatened, choked and subjected to degrading treatment, the association said.

The JKSA said the incident reflects a broader pattern of harassment targeting Kashmiri traders, particularly those selling shawls and warm clothing in several north Indian states. It alleged that traders have faced intimidation, vandalism of belongings and threats aimed at preventing them from carrying out their business.

“These incidents show no signs of stopping and reflect a deeply disturbing pattern of targeting Kashmiri traders,” the association said.

The JKSA 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 working in the state.

Mirwaiz said the continued targeting of Kashmiris outside the Valley undermines their right to livelihood and personal security. “The rule of law must prevail, and the dignity and safety of people must be protected without delay,” he said.