Archive · 1 Jan 2026
Attacks on Kashmiri Shawl Sellers Spark Concern
There have been some scary incidents where people from Kashmir who sell shawls in other parts of India have been attacked or harassed.
This has happened in places like Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand.
A video showed one seller being forced to say something he didn't want to.
The police have started investigating and have promised to take action.
Many people, including leaders and groups from Kashmir, are worried about this and have asked the government to do more to protect these sellers.
They want the government to make sure these sellers are safe and that the people who did these bad things are punished.
Some leaders, like Farooq Abdullah, have warned that these attacks are a sign of growing extremism and have compared it to the actions of Hitler.
Incidents of attacks and harassment on Kashmiri shawl sellers reported in Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand.
Haryana Police registered an FIR and launched a manhunt following an assault on a Kashmiri shawl seller.
JKSA reported at least 18 incidents in Himachal Pradesh, with traders forced to leave due to fear.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah issued stern directions to state governments for action.
Leaders and outfits from Jammu and Kashmir called for coordinated action to ensure the safety and livelihood of migrant traders.
- Who
- Kashmiri shawl sellers, Jammu and Kashmir Students Association (JKSA), Haryana Police, Haryana Chief Minister's Office, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Congress Rajya Sabha MP Randeep Singh Surjewala, Kashmir's chief cleric Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, J-K BJP leader Ravinder Raina, PDP president Mehbooba Mufti, Peoples Conference chief Sajad Lone, JKSA National Convenor Nasir Khuehami, National Conference president Farooq Abdullah
- What
- Incidents of attacks and harassment on Kashmiri shawl sellers, FIR registered, manhunt launched, calls for coordinated action to ensure safety and livelihood of migrant traders
- When
- Earlier in the week, December 31
- Where
- Kaithal district in Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand
- Why
- Alleged rise in intimidation, threats, and assaults against Kashmiri shawl sellers during the winter trading season
Critics
Government
Response to Attacks
Critics
Critics, including Farooq Abdullah, condemn the attacks and warn against rising extremism, comparing it to Hitler's system.
Government
The government, including Union Home Minister Amit Shah, has issued stern directions to state governments to take action and ensure the safety of Kashmiri traders.
- Location of Incidents
- Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand
- Number of Incidents in Himachal Pradesh
- 18
- Action Taken by Haryana Police
- FIR registered, manhunt launched
- Response from Haryana CMO
- Assured strict action against harassment
- JKSA's Demand
- Prompt FIR registration, arrests, and deterrent action
- Union Home Minister's Response
- Stern directions issued to state governments
- Congress MP's Allegation
- Pattern of targeting people from different regions
- PDP President's Statement
- Growing intolerance and lynchings in the country
- National Conference President's Statement
- Warning against extremism and comparing it to Hitler's system