The Jammu and Kashmir Students Association has reached out to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, urging him to intervene and halt the reported harassment of Kashmiri shawl vendors in Himachal Pradesh. The association highlighted a concerning increase in incidents of intimidation and violence against Kashmiri students and traders in the region. Despite previous efforts, the situation persists with little tangible action on the ground.
The association’s National Convenor, Nasir Khuehami, disclosed that at least 18 cases of assault and harassment against Kashmiri shawl sellers have been documented in Himachal Pradesh this year. He expressed dismay over the lack of swift legal actions and arrests in these cases, leading to a climate of fear and impunity among the affected individuals. Many Kashmiri vendors and students are reportedly living in constant fear and distress.
Khuehami emphasized the adverse impact of these incidents, noting that some Kashmiris have been compelled to leave Himachal Pradesh, disrupting their education and livelihoods. The association stressed that such actions not only reflect administrative negligence but also a failure of moral responsibility towards safeguarding Kashmiri citizens. It warned that these events could fuel deeper alienation and distrust, potentially harming national unity and integration.
The Jammu and Kashmir Students Association called for a comprehensive report from Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on all reported incidents involving Kashmiris in the past year. They demanded immediate actions, accountability for any oversights, and the establishment of robust security measures to ensure the safety of Kashmiri students and traders in the state. The association expressed hope that prompt intervention by the Union Home Ministry would restore confidence, prevent further alienation, and uphold the constitutional rights and dignity of all citizens.
