Jammu and Kashmir leaders expressed strong condemnation for the reported assault on a young Kashmiri shawl seller in Uttarakhand. The victim, a minor from Kashmir, was allegedly attacked by a group of individuals while selling shawls in Uttarakhand. This incident has sparked widespread political reactions, with leaders from various parties denouncing it as disturbing and indicative of rising intolerance.
The President of Jammu and Kashmir Congress, Tariq Hameed Karra, voiced deep concern over the incident, describing it as alarming. Karra highlighted a pattern of such incidents occurring across the country, particularly in states governed by the BJP, attributing them to right-wing elements. He emphasized the need for stringent action against those responsible for such attacks.
Independent MLA Shabir Ahmad Kullay also condemned the assault and urged the Uttarakhand government to take decisive measures. Kullay called for the identification and arrest of the perpetrators, emphasizing the importance of preventing similar incidents in the future. He appealed for strict legal action against those involved in the attack.
Congress spokesperson Surendra Rajput alleged that Kashmiri youths are facing targeted violence in BJP-ruled states. Rajput cited instances of Kashmiri individuals being subjected to abuse and coercion in various regions, urging for immediate action against such acts of violence. He emphasized the importance of holding accountable governments that fail to prevent such assaults.
Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) spokesperson Zuhaib Yousuf highlighted the economic challenges faced by Kashmiri youths, leading them to travel across the country for work. Yousuf expressed concern over the normalization of violence against minorities and stressed the need to address the growing trend of targeting individuals based on their identity. He called for a united effort to prevent such incidents from defining the nation’s ethos.
National Conference spokesperson Tanvir Sadiq mentioned that Chief Minister Omar Abdullah had intervened in the matter, ensuring the arrest of the main accused in the assault case. Sadiq emphasized the importance of ensuring the safety of individuals traveling to other states and called for strict action against those responsible for such attacks.
In response to criticism, BJP spokesperson Pratul Shah Deo acknowledged the seriousness of the issue and reassured that the Uttarakhand government was actively investigating the incident. Deo emphasized that any form of violence against individuals is unacceptable and pledged that the perpetrators would face consequences for their actions.
