Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Dec 31: The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) today staged a protest here, against the assaults on Kashmiri shawl sellers in Uttarakhand and other states, demanding action.
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Several party leaders and workers assembled at the party headquarters here, raising slogans and holding placards that read “Stop hate crimes against Kashmiris,” “Say no to hate crime,” and “No to discrimination and brutality.”
The protestors demanded strict action against the perpetrators and concrete measures to ensure the safety of Kashmiris working and studying outside the Valley.
Speaking with reporters, PDP District President Srinagar, Qayoom Bhat, said Kashmiris were increasingly being subjected to assaults outside the Union Territory, forcing many to live in constant fear.
He said the lack of employment opportunities, coupled with the decline in tourism and industrial activity, had compelled many Kashmiris to seek livelihoods outside the region.
“In Uttarakhand, there have been sustained assaults on Kashmiris. The Government there has remained silent. Kashmiris are being beaten for political gains,” Bhat alleged.
He added that while people of Kashmir always welcome tourists and treat them with warmth and respect, Kashmiris were facing hostility elsewhere.
“We are citizens of this country, and our constitutional rights must be protected,” he said.
District Youth President Tahir Lone said the protest was organised to raise a collective voice in favour of Kashmiri shawl sellers and others facing attacks outside the Valley, particularly in BJP-ruled states.
He alleged that incidents of harassment against Kashmiri students and workers were rising and that an atmosphere of intolerance and Islamophobia was being promoted.
Leaders from the party’s women wing also spoke on the occasion, who said that such incidents “reflect a disturbing pattern of intolerance.”
“We urge authorities in other states to ensure the safety and dignity of Kashmiris working or studying outside J&K; this must end,” said Sara Nayeem, another party leader.
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