The Jammu and Kashmir Students Association (JKSA) on Sunday expressed serious concern over a fresh case of alleged harassment and assault involving a Kashmiri shawl seller in Himachal Pradesh. The incident comes just days after two Kashmiri shawl seller brothers were reportedly assaulted in Uttarakhand. Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel
JKSA National Convenor Nasir Khuehami said a Kashmiri shawl seller, Mohd Ramzan, was allegedly harassed, threatened, and later assaulted in Kangra district. He alleged that the attack was carried out by a right-wing activist identified as Surjeet Rajput Guleria, who is reportedly linked to at least three similar incidents last month.
According to Khuehami, despite repeatedly stating that he is an Indian citizen, Mohd Ramzan was allegedly forced to prove his identity, threatened, and told to leave the state. His shawl bundles were reportedly checked, and he was mockingly accused of carrying an AK-47 instead of shawls. JKSA described the act as humiliating, communal, unlawful, and provocative.
The association said Kashmiri traders in the area are being regularly intimidated, threatened, and stopped from selling their goods, with warnings issued to leave the region. Calling it the fourth such case in Himachal Pradesh this year, JKSA said the incident reflects a disturbing and repeated pattern.
Over the past year, several cases of harassment against Kashmiri shawl sellers have been reported in Himachal Pradesh. However, JKSA noted that in most cases, either no FIR was registered or complaints were weakened. Despite multiple incidents, only one FIR has reportedly been lodged so far.
The association said it was alarming that such incidents continue in states that claim to support constitutional values and minority rights. It added that Kashmiri shawl sellers have long contributed to Himachal Pradesh’s economy and culture but are now being pushed into fear due to their identity.
JKSA strongly criticised the Himachal Pradesh Government and Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu for failing to take firm action. It said the lack of arrests and preventive steps has encouraged fringe elements and sent a dangerous message.
The association appealed to the Chief Minister to intervene immediately, ensure the arrest of those responsible, and direct police and district officials to protect Kashmiri traders and their livelihoods. JKSA warned that the growing climate of fear could destroy livelihoods built over generations and further alienate a vulnerable community.
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