Incidents of 'Attack' on Kashmiri shawl Sellers Spark Concern

Voicing concern over the alleged incidents of attacks and harassment of Kashmiri shawl sellers in some parts of northern states, leaders and outfits from Jammu and Kashmir have called for coordinated action by the Centre and state governments to ensure the safety and livelihood of migrant traders.

- Observer News Service

In Haryana’s Kaithal district, police have registered an FIR and launched a manhunt following an assault on a Kashmiri shawl seller, the Jammu and Kashmir Students Association (JKSA) said on Wednesday.

Kaithal Superintendent of Police Upasana told PTI that the “police have taken suo motu cognisance of the offence and registered an FIR. Further investigation is underway”.

A purported video of the incident, which occurred earlier in the week, surfaced on social media platforms, showing a Kashmiri shawl seller allegedly being forced to chant ‘Vande Mataram’.

The Haryana Chief Minister's Office has assured strict action, saying that harassment or violence against Kashmiri traders would not be tolerated, the association added.

Another incident reported from Fatehabad district is under investigation, the JKSA said.

The Association has also flagged similar incidents from Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand, alleging a rise in intimidation, threats and assaults against Kashmiri shawl sellers during the winter trading season.

It claimed that at least 18 such incidents were reported from Himachal Pradesh this year, with several traders forced to leave the state due to fear.