Zero tolerance for assault on Kashmiri Shawl sellers: MHA informs JKSA; FIR registered, Bajrang Dal leader arrested

JAMMU: The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has assured the Jammu and Kashmir Students Association (JKSA) of strict action and a “zero tolerance” approach towards any assault or intimidation of Kashmiri shawl sellers, following the brutal attack on a trader in the Kashipur area of Udham Singh Nagar district in Uttarakhand.The assurance came after the Jammu and Kashmir Students Association took up the matter with senior authorities at the Centre, in the Uttarakhand government, and in Jammu and Kashmir, highlighting the assault and death threats issued to a Kashmiri shawl seller by a group of miscreants allegedly associated with the Bajrang Dal.

Confirming the development, National Convenor of the Association, Nasir Khuehami, said that an FIR has been registered in the case and the main accused, identified as Bajrang Dal leader Ankur Singh, has been arrested, while other accused involved in the incident have also been taken into custody. The Association welcomed the swift action taken by the Uttarakhand Police in the matter. Khuehami said that after the issue was taken up with senior authorities, the Director General of Police (DGP), Uttarakhand, informed him that an FIR had been registered in connection with the incident.

He further said that the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kumaon Range, Riddhim Agarwal, informed the Association that the Uttarakhand Police had taken cognizance of the assault and the death threats issued to the victim.Khuehami said that an FIR bearing No. 517/25 has been registered under Sections 191(2), 115(2), 351(3), 352, 304, 62, 292, and 126(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Police teams were constituted, raids were conducted, arrests have been made, and legal proceedings have also been initiated against the accused under the relevant provisions of the Police Act.

All the accused have been arrested, he added.Khuehami added that the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Uttarakhand State Government have taken serious note of the incident and conveyed that such acts of harassment and violence against Kashmiri traders will not be tolerated under any circumstances. Kashmiri traders are equal Indian citizens, constitutionally entitled to work anywhere in India, he said.Officials, he said, have assured that no pressure or settlement attempt will derail the prosecution and that the investigation will proceed strictly on merit to establish the full sequence of events, identify any additional accused, and fix liability under the law.

According to JKSA, the victim was assaulted, threatened with death, and asked to leave the state, creating an atmosphere of fear among Kashmiri traders who earn their livelihood by selling shawls seasonally across Uttarakhand and other states.“The safety, dignity, and livelihood of Kashmiri traders and students across the country will be safeguarded, and the rule of law must prevail,” Khuehami said, quoting a senior MHA official.The Association thanked the Central and State governments, and the IGP Kumaon Range, Riddhim Agarwal, for their timely intervention, on-ground assistance, and steadfast support in helping the victim during this difficult time.

It said the prompt action by the Uttarakhand Police has sent a strong message that the rule of law will prevail and that no one is above the law, and has helped restore confidence among Kashmiri traders who were feeling insecure after the incident.The Association demanded strict punishment for all those involved and called upon state governments across the country to ensure the safety, dignity, and security of Kashmiri traders and students so that they can live and work without fear.