Kangra: The Jammu and Kashmir Students Association (JKSA) has expressed deep concern after a fresh and disturbing case of alleged harassment and assault involving a Kashmiri shawl seller was reported from Congress-ruled Himachal Pradesh, just days after two Kashmiri shawl seller brothers were brutally assaulted in Uttarakhand.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and former chief minister Mehbooba Mufti have condemned the incident and sought investigation and action against the accused.
National Convenor of the Association, Nasir Khuehami, said that a Kashmiri shawl seller, Mohd Ramzan, was allegedly harassed, intimidated, and later assaulted in Kangra district by a Hindu right-wing goon identified as Surjeet Rajput Guleria.
He added that the same person is reportedly involved in at least three similar incidents targeting Kashmiri shawl sellers last month as well.
Khuehami stated that despite repeatedly asserting that he is an Indian citizen, Mohd Ramzan was allegedly forced to “prove” his identity, threatened, and issued an ultimatum to leave the state. His shawl bundles were reportedly checked, and he was mockingly accused of carrying an AK-47 instead of Kashmiri shawls; an act the association described as humiliating, dangerously communal, unlawful, and inciteful.
He further said that Kashmiri traders in the area have been systematically intimidated, threatened, and prevented from selling their shawls, with warnings issued to vacate the region.
Calling it the fourth such incident in Himachal Pradesh this year, JKSA noted that this was not an isolated episode but part of a recurring and deeply troubling pattern. Over the past year, multiple cases of harassment and intimidation against Kashmiri shawl sellers have been reported in Himachal.
However, in most instances, either no FIR was registered or complaints were diluted. Despite several reported incidents, only a single FIR has been lodged so far, highlighting a disturbing culture of impunity.
The association said it was deeply ironic and alarming that such incidents continue unabated in states governed by parties that otherwise claim to uphold constitutional values, pluralism, and minority protection.
“The silence and lack of outrage in INDIA-bloc-ruled states is conspicuous. Selective condemnation and selective protection undermine the very idea of justice and equal citizenship,” it said.
“For decades, Kashmiri shawl sellers have contributed significantly to the local economy of Himachal Pradesh and have become an integral part of its social and cultural fabric. Today, however, they are being pushed into fear and insecurity solely because of their identity,” the association said.
Association strongly criticised the Himachal Pradesh government and slammed Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu for his inaction and failure to act decisively despite repeated incidents and warnings.
“The absence of swift arrests, preventive measures, and clear political messaging has emboldened fringe elements and sent a dangerous signal that harassment of Kashmiri traders can continue without consequences,” it added.
JKSA appealed to the Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh to intervene immediately, ensure the prompt identification and arrest of those responsible, and issue clear directions to the police and district administrations to protect Kashmiri traders and their livelihoods.
This growing atmosphere of hatred and threats has the potential to destroy livelihoods built over generations and further alienate an already vulnerable community.
Earlier, Omar Abdullah spoke with Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami regarding the assault and urged strict action against those involved.
Dhami assured Abdullah that an FIR has been registered and that strong action will be taken against the perpetrators. He also said the safety of residents from Jammu and Kashmir would be ensured, Omar posted on X.
Reacting to the incident, PDP president Mehbooba Mufti said no one came to the victim’s rescue when he was “almost beaten to death” in Uttarakhand.
She alleged that when the PDP tried to hold a peaceful protest against such incidents, the police used force to stop the march.
Mufti said Kashmiris were being “caged within J&K and thrashed” when they stepped out to earn a living, adding that even survival seemed to be treated as a crime in “New India.”
Meanwhile, in a fresh incident, an elderly Kashmiri Muslim man, Mohd Wali Shah from Anantnag Kashmir, who was in Saharanpur Uttar Pradesh for medical purposes, was questioned, mistreated, and threatened by local goons.
This incident marks the eighth such case reported this year, reflecting a deeply alarming and recurring pattern, JKSA said in a statement.
The accused, Yashasvi Arya, a resident of Village Ramdaspur (also known as Nagal, Badheri Koli), Saharanpur, who claims to be the National President of the Hindu Yuva Shakti Sangathan, along with his associates, has been filmed intercepting, intimidating, and harassing Kashmiri Muslim vendors and patients visiting the area.
In the second video footage, Arya is seen using abusive and violent language, issuing open threats, and deliberately attempting to instil fear among Kashmiri Muslims. He is heard stating, We will treat Kashmiri Muslims the way Kashmiri Pandits were treated, while making sweeping and deeply offensive claims that all Kashmiris; whether doctors or otherwise; only know how to make bombs and carry weapons.
He further urged members of the Hindu community not to allow Kashmiris into their homes, the JKSA statement added.
