Kashmiri Shawl Vendors Attacked in India, Forced to Leave Amid Rising Hate Campaign

Srinagar, J&K (Indian administered Kashmir): In a deeply disturbing incident captured on video and widely circulated on social media, two Kashmiri shawl vendors were publicly assaulted and forced to shut their shop in the popular hill town of Mussoorie, Uttarakhand, India.

The footage shows a group of three local men, one of them visibly leading the attack, slapping and abusing the vendors while ordering them to pack up and leave. Shockingly, the assault escalated even after one of the vendors produced his Aadhaar card proving his identity as a resident of Jammu and Kashmir.

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According to Uttarakhand DGP Deepam Seth, the assailants identified as Suraj Singh (Post Kempty, Tehri Garhwal), Pradeep Singh (Hathipaon, Mussoorie), and Abhishek Uniyal (Company Garden, Mussoorie) have been arrested and face legal action under the Police Act.

However, the incident has sparked outrage across Kashmir and beyond, with many calling it part of a growing pattern of targeted hate against Kashmiris working across India.

Nasir Khuehami, national convenor of the Jammu and Kashmir Students Association, condemned the attack and confirmed that the perpetrators were affiliated with the right-wing Bajrang Dal. “This was not an isolated case. Around 16 other Kashmiri traders, mostly from Kupwara district, have been threatened, harassed, and forcibly evicted from their rented accommodations in Mussoorie,” he said.

“These traders have been part of Mussoorie’s local economy for years, selling handwoven Kashmiri shawls and goods peacefully. This attack reflects a dangerous trend of discrimination and economic displacement targeting Kashmiris outside the region,” Khuehami added.

The accused reportedly offered an apology after public pressure mounted, but Kashmiri groups have insisted that apologies alone are not enough. They demand strict legal consequences and stronger protection mechanisms for Kashmiris working and living in other parts of India.

As a result of this traumatic episode, the 16 Kashmiri vendors have now returned to the Kashmir Valley—leaving behind their livelihoods and years of work under duress.

This incident once again exposes the fragile security of Kashmiris in mainland India, especially at a time when rising intolerance continues to marginalize minority communities. The silence of many mainstream platforms only worsens the issue.

The Azadi Times stands in solidarity with all Kashmiris who face violence, discrimination, and injustice—anywhere in the world.