Srinagar: The Jammu and Kashmir Students Association (JKSA) on Sunday strongly condemned the alleged harassment of a Kashmiri shawl seller in the Dera area of Kangra district in Himachal Pradesh, where he was allegedly forced to chant “Bharat Mata Ki Jai,” threatened with eviction, and asked to leave the state if he continued his business.
The Association termed the incident an act of coercion, humiliation, and a blatant violation of constitutional values. The shawl seller, who hails from Kupwara in Kashmir, refused to chant the slogan, stating that while he loves India, the Constitution guarantees him the right to express his patriotism in his own way.
In a statement here, JKSA said this is the 15th such incident this year involving harassment of Kashmiri shawl sellers, pointing to a disturbing and dangerous pattern of targeting peaceful traders earning their livelihood across the country.
“Forcing anyone to chant slogans to prove patriotism is unconstitutional and deeply degrading. The Constitution of India does not compel any citizen to chant any slogan. Patriotism cannot be enforced through fear or intimidation; it must arise from freedom, dignity, and equal rights,” JKSA said.
It urged the Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu to intervene immediately and direct the police to register an FIR against the “right-wing element” involved under relevant sections of law.
“Such behaviour must not go unchecked. Strict action will send a clear message that communal bigotry and vigilantism will not be tolerated in a progressive and inclusive society,” JKSA asserted.
It said Kashmiri shawl sellers have been living and working peacefully in Himachal Pradesh for decades, contributing to local economies and social harmony. However, repeated incidents of harassment are creating an atmosphere of fear and insecurity among traders and their families.
“Nothing damages the idea of India in Kashmir more than the routine humiliation of Kashmiris, even as the narrative of ‘atoot ang’ (integral part) is pushed. Genuine integration comes from respect, dignity, and empathy; not from intimidation or force,” JKSA added.
The Association demanded immediate measures to ensure the safety, dignity, and security of Kashmiri traders, and called upon the state government to issue clear directions to district administrations to prevent any form of harassment, profiling, or coercion based on identity or region. Association said swift and visible action is essential to restore confidence among Kashmiri traders and to uphold the constitutional values of equality, fraternity, and justice.
