There has been a worrying rise in attacks, harassment, and intimidation against Kashmiri shawl sellers in several states outside Jammu and Kashmir, especially in northern India. These incidents, reported mainly between late December 2025 and January 2026, have triggered serious concern among families, traders, and civil society groups.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel
According to documented accounts, Kashmiri traders selling shawls and winter goods have faced physical assaults, verbal abuse, threats, and damage to their merchandise. In many cases, sellers were allegedly forced to chant slogans, abused with remarks like “go to Pakistan,” and threatened with expulsion from local markets. Several traders said they were targeted simply for their identity.
The Jammu and Kashmir Students Association (JKSA) said it recorded at least 18 such incidents in Himachal Pradesh alone in 2025. A fresh wave of attacks was reported around January 18, 2026, across Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Haryana, and Delhi. Videos shared online showed traders being surrounded, threatened, and in some cases forced to shut down their stalls.
Many sellers said fear has driven them out of key markets at the peak of the winter season, which is crucial for their income. Most of these traders come from modest backgrounds and depend heavily on seasonal sales to support their families. “We live in constant fear, but we have no other source of income,” one trader told reporters.
The economic impact has been severe. Advocacy groups estimate losses running into lakhs of rupees, along with deep psychological stress. Markets in places like Shimla, Dehradun, and Solan reportedly saw several Kashmiri sellers leave overnight after repeated threats.
Political and social leaders across the spectrum have condemned the incidents. Leaders from parties including the National Conference and the PDP have called the attacks dangerous and divisive. Several MPs and public figures said such targeting threatens India’s plural character and could deepen alienation among Kashmiris working outside the region.
The Union Home Ministry has said it has taken note of the incidents and assured action. In at least one case in Uttarakhand, police arrested an accused after an FIR was lodged. However, activists say responses have been uneven and slow in many areas.
The JKSA has written to the Union Home Minister and the National Human Rights Commission, demanding strict action, protection for traders, and clear instructions to state governments. “This is not just about business. It is about dignity, safety, and national unity,” the group said.
Observers note that similar incidents were reported in previous years, especially after periods of political tension, often fuelled by misinformation and hate campaigns. They warn that failure to act firmly could encourage more attacks.
For now, many Kashmiri shawl sellers remain uncertain about returning to markets outside Jammu and Kashmir. Civil society groups say immediate protection, swift police action, and community dialogue are essential to stop the cycle of fear and ensure that people can earn a living without threat or discrimination.
You Might Also Like:
At 13, This Kashmiri Boy Built 31 Apps and AI Tools
Delhi Court Convicts Kashmiri Separatist Asiya Andrabi in UAPA Case
Pahalgam Railway Line Is About Future, Not Fear—Connectivity Is Development