Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Dec 31: The J&K Students Association (JKSA) has written to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, raising serious concern over what it described as a “continued rise” in incidents of harassment, intimidation and violence against Kashmiri students and shawl vendors in Himachal Pradesh.
In a detailed representation, the association said the situation in Himachal Pradesh remains “deeply disturbing” despite repeated interventions, alleging that at least 18 incidents involving Kashmiri shawl sellers have been reported in the state during the current year.
The JKSA alleged a pattern of inaction by local authorities, claiming that prompt registration of FIRs, visible arrests and deterrent action have largely been absent.
This, the association said, has created an atmosphere of fear, forcing several students and traders to leave the state, thereby disrupting their education and livelihoods.
“Targeting innocent Kashmiri traders and forcing them out of cities only deepens alienation and mistrust,” the letter stated, warning that such incidents “play into the hands of hostile external forces.”
The JKSA has urged the Union Home Minister to seek a detailed report from the Himachal Pradesh Government on all incidents reported over the past year, including the status of FIRs, arrests and preventive steps taken.
It has also sought clear directions for time-bound action, strict enforcement of law and the introduction of effective security mechanisms to protect Kashmiri students and traders in the state.
The association said decisive intervention was essential to restore confidence among affected families and to reaffirm the Government’s commitment to safeguarding the rights and dignity of every citizen.
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