The Jammu and Kashmir Students Association (JKSA) on Sunday urged Union Home Minister Amit Shah to intervene urgently amid a fresh and alarming wave of harassment, intimidation, and targeted assaults against Kashmiri shawl sellers in Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Haryana.

In a statement, JKSA National Convenor Nasir Khuehami expressed grave concern over the recurring nature of these incidents, saying that despite repeated representations and assurances, Kashmiri traders continue to face hostility and violence in several states.
The association said the situation in Himachal Pradesh remains particularly serious, with multiple reports of harassment and intimidation emerging from different districts over recent months, even after earlier interventions by authorities. JKSA also highlighted an incident in Uttarakhand’s Almora district, where a Kashmiri shawl seller was allegedly assaulted and injured, noting with concern that no concrete police action has followed so far.
In Haryana’s Yamunanagar district, the association flagged a disturbing case in which a Kashmiri shawl seller was allegedly forced to chant religious slogans and prevented from selling his goods. JKSA said the incident amounts to coercion, intimidation, and a direct assault on constitutional values, freedom of livelihood, and communal harmony.
Khuehami alleged that in several cases FIRs were delayed or not registered, arrests were not made, and deterrent action was lacking. “This has created an atmosphere of fear and impunity, severely impacting the safety, dignity, and livelihood of thousands of Kashmiri shawl sellers who earn their living through lawful and traditional means,” he said.
He further stated that many traders are living under constant fear and psychological distress, with some reportedly forced to leave these states, leading to loss of livelihood, disruption of education, and erosion of dignity.
Warning of wider implications, the association said repeated targeting of innocent Kashmiris and lack of accountability risk deepening alienation and undermining trust, which could harm long-term national interests.
Reiterating that Kashmiris are equal citizens and an integral part of India, JKSA said targeting Kashmiri traders or forcing them out of cities only deepens social divisions. It stressed that violence, intimidation, and communal hatred must not be normalised and that the rule of law must prevail without fear or favour.
Khuehami urged the Union Home Minister to seek detailed reports from the Chief Ministers of Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Haryana on FIRs, arrests, prosecutions, and preventive measures. He also called for time-bound directions, accountability for lapses, and robust security and monitoring mechanisms to ensure the safety of Kashmiri traders across these states.