In the cold winter of Vikas Nagar in Uttarakhand, an 18-year-old Kashmiri boy was badly beaten by a mob on January 27, 2026. He was selling shawls to earn money for his family, which is a common winter job for many young men from Kashmir.
According to reports, the boy was stopped and questioned about his identity. When he said he was a Muslim from Kashmir, the situation quickly turned violent. He was punched and hit with iron rods. His left arm was broken, he suffered serious head injuries, and his body had bruises all over. He was rushed to Doon Hospital in Dehradun for treatment.
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The attack caused anger and fear among Kashmiris. The Jammu Kashmir Students Association (JKSA) called it a frightening reminder that hatred against Kashmiris is becoming normal. The group urged Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami to take quick action and ensure the safety of Kashmiri workers.
However, one important voice has been missing — that of Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah. So far, he has not publicly condemned the attack. This has raised serious questions. Why has he not spoken out? Why has he not contacted the central government or chief ministers of states where similar attacks have taken place?
Kashmiri Traders Facing Repeated Attacks
This attack was not an isolated case. Every winter, Kashmiri shawl sellers travel to different parts of India to earn a living. Many of them come from poor families and depend on this seasonal work.
In December 2025, a Kashmiri shawl seller from Kupwara was attacked in Kashipur, Uttarakhand. He was allegedly forced to chant slogans and accused of harming local businesses. Similar incidents have been reported in Haryana and Himachal Pradesh, where Kashmiri traders were beaten, threatened, or pushed out after being labelled as “security risks”.
Advocacy groups say these attacks reflect growing suspicion and hostility towards Kashmiris. The Ministry of Home Affairs has said Kashmiri traders are equal Indian citizens with the right to work anywhere in the country. But many fear that without strong action, these statements remain only words.
Why the Silence From Omar Abdullah?
In the past, Omar Abdullah has spoken up when Kashmiris outside Jammu and Kashmir faced danger. After the Pahalgam terror attack in April 2025, he sent ministers to different cities to check on the safety of Kashmiri students and workers. He also warned against treating all Kashmiris as suspects.
This time, however, there has been no clear public response from him. His recent social media posts focus on other issues, while attacks on Kashmiri traders continue.
Opposition leaders have criticised this silence. Sajad Lone said Abdullah failed to protect Kashmiri traders. PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti asked the government to send teams to affected states. Even his father, Farooq Abdullah, strongly condemned the attacks and warned against dangerous thinking in society.
An NC spokesperson later said the issue would be raised with other states, but many feel this is not enough without a strong and direct statement from the Chief Minister himself.
A Growing Sense of Fear and Abandonment
Some believe Omar Abdullah is being careful because Jammu and Kashmir is a Union Territory with limited powers. Others feel he does not want to upset the central government or BJP-ruled states. There is also a view that he is busy with internal issues at home.
Still, critics argue that even a simple public message would have shown support for the injured boy and other Kashmiri traders.
Waiting for Leadership
For many Kashmiris, this silence is painful. People feel unsafe and unheard. Social media is filled with messages asking Omar Abdullah to act.
As Chief Minister, people expect him to speak clearly when Kashmiris are attacked anywhere in the country. His past actions show he can do this. Now, many are waiting to see if he will break his silence and stand up for Kashmiri traders whose only aim is to earn an honest living.
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