Srinagar: In the face of recent incidents of harassment and targeted assaults against Kashmiri shawl sellers across Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Haryana, a delegation of the Jammu and Kashmir Students Association (JKSA), on Sunday met AICC Chairman, Media & Publicity, Pawan Khera, and apprised him of the grave situation.
According to a JKSA press release, during the interaction, the association flagged the recurring incidents of intimidation, coercion, and violence against Kashmiri traders, particularly in Himachal Pradesh, where despite repeated assurances and earlier interventions, such incidents continue to be reported from multiple districts.
It also highlighted specific cases from Almora in Uttarakhand and Yamunanagar in Haryana, underscoring the lack of timely and effective police action, delayed or absent FIRs, and the growing sense of fear and insecurity among the Kashmiri shawl sellers.
JKSA claimed that expressing serious concern, Pawan Khera said that such incidents are deeply disturbing and have no place in a civilised and democratic society. He asserted that “fringe elements” driven by hate and intolerance must not be allowed to dictate the social fabric of the country or undermine constitutional values.
Khera assured the JKSA delegation that he would personally take up the matter with the Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu and raise these concerns at the appropriate levels to ensure accountability and corrective action, the association said.
JKSA said that continued targeting of Kashmiri traders, coupled with administrative apathy, not only threatens livelihoods but also risks deepening alienation and mistrust, which is detrimental to national unity and long-term social cohesion.
“Kashmiris are equal citizens of this country. Forcing them out of cities through fear, intimidation, or violence is a direct assault on the Constitution, the rule of law, and the idea of India,” JKSA said.
The association reiterated that violence, communal intimidation, and hate-driven vigilantism must be dealt with firmly and decisively, without fear or favour. It stressed the need for clear, time-bound directions to state authorities, strict action against perpetrators, fixing of accountability where lapses have occurred, and the establishment of credible security and monitoring mechanisms to ensure the safety, dignity, and lawful livelihoods of Kashmiri shawl sellers across northern states.
Association said it will continue to engage with political leadership, authorities, and institutions to ensure that justice is delivered and that the rule of law prevails, reaffirming that India’s strength lies in unity, constitutional morality, and respect for diversity.
