Srinagar: Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president, Mehbooba Mufti Thursday expressed serious concern over safety and wellbeing of Kashmiri shawl sellers who according to her are facing harassment, assault and threats from right-wing groups.
Mufti said such incidents will alienate Kashmiris further from mainstream India, and urged chief ministers of Jammu and Kashmir, and Himachal Pradesh to intervene.
“Kashmiri shawl sellers in Himachal Pradesh’s Bilaspur District are facing harassment, assault, and threats from right-wing groups. Despite proper documents, they’re being barred from doing business and evicted,” Mufti said in a post on X.
“This is the third such incident, highlighting a worrying pattern of targeted violence,” she added on X.
“This othering of Kashmiris will alienate them further. I urge @OmarAbdullah and @SukhuSukhvinder to intervene and ensure a safe environment for these traders,” Mufti added.
The PDP president also condemned the use of force on locals in Katra who were protesting against a proposed ropeway project for the Vaishnodevi pilgrimage.
“The unwarranted crackdown on the Sangarsh Samiti has resulted in the arrest of 18 of its members,” she said.
Mufti said the “trend” of converting sacred sites into tourist destinations must be stopped as it not only threatens the livelihood of thousands but also disrespects the spiritual purpose and cultural importance of these sites.
“Urge the authorities to reconsider the project and release the persons arrested,” she added.
Meanwhile, the Jammu and Kashmir Students Association (JKSA) also expressed concern over the alleged harassment, assault, and intimidation faced by dozens of Kashmiri shawl sellers in Himachal Pradesh’s Bilaspur district.
These traders, who have been working in the region for over 30 years, are reportedly being threatened and pressured to leave the state by certain right-wing groups, JKSA said in a statement here.
It said that despite having proper verification and documentation, these shawl sellers are being barred from conducting their business, while their landlords are being pressured to evict them.
“These shawl sellers have significantly contributed to the local economy and have become an integral part of the social fabric in Himachal Pradesh. However, they now face insecurity and threats. This reflects a dangerous pattern of targeting Kashmiri shawl sellers regularly, as this is the third such incident in the state. It must be addressed immediately,” JKSA said.
It said JKSA has raised the issue with the Himachal Pradesh government and spoken to the Chief Minister’s Officer on Special Duty (OSD), Ritesh Kapret about the threats and harassment faced by the Kashmiri shawl sellers in Bilaspur.
In response, the Chief Minister’s Office assured that strict action would be taken against those responsible and emphasized that such incidents of intimidation and harassment would not be tolerated under any circumstances, JKSA said.
“Nothing does more damage to the idea of India in Kashmir than incidents like these. Harassing and threatening Kashmiris undermines the very notion of ‘atoot ang’ (integral part). True integration stems from mutual respect, dignity, and empathy, not through intimidation, threats, or force,” said JKSA.
It said the hostile environment created by these threats could severely impact the livelihood of the Kashmiri traders, and urged Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to address the issue with his Himachal Pradesh counterpart and ensure a safe and secure environment for Kashmiri traders operating in that state.
JKSA also said the matter was taken up with Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister’s Advisor, Nasir Aslam Wani, who has assured that the issue will be taken up with the Himachal Pradesh government. The Association urged both governments to act swiftly to restore the confidence of the Kashmiri community and ensure that such incidents are not repeated in the future.
