Workers of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) staged a protest in Srinagar on January 31, 2026, strongly condemning the brutal attack on a young Kashmiri shawl seller in Uttarakhand. The party also raised wider concerns about repeated harassment and violence faced by Kashmiris outside Jammu and Kashmir.
The incident involved an 18-year-old Kashmiri youth, identified as Tabish Ahmed, who was allegedly attacked by a mob while selling shawls with his family in Vikas Nagar near Dehradun. He suffered serious injuries, including a fractured arm and head injuries. Reports suggest the violence escalated after the boy identified himself as a Muslim from Kashmir.
PDP leaders said the attack reflects growing intolerance and targeted harassment of Kashmiri vendors, especially seasonal workers who travel to other states during winter to earn a living.
PDP president Mehbooba Mufti criticised the authorities for failing to protect the victim. She said that when a young Kashmiri shawl seller is almost beaten to death outside the Valley, no one comes forward to help. However, when the PDP tries to hold a peaceful protest against such incidents, the police act swiftly to stop it.
She further said that Kashmiris are restricted within Jammu and Kashmir and are beaten when they step outside to earn an honest livelihood.
According to the party, their planned protest march in Srinagar was not allowed by the police. As a result, PDP workers held a demonstration at the party headquarters instead. Protesters carried placards demanding an end to attacks on Kashmiris and strict punishment for those involved in the assault.
PDP spokespersons said many Kashmiri youths are forced to leave home due to economic hardship, only to face humiliation, forced slogans, threats, and violence in other states.
The protest comes amid several reports of attacks on Kashmiri shawl sellers and seasonal workers in Uttarakhand and elsewhere. Political leaders from different parties, including some from the BJP, have also condemned the attack and called for justice.
The incident has once again highlighted serious concerns about the safety, dignity, and rights of Kashmiris who travel outside the region to earn a living.
