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- Calls for Safety, Dignity and Protection of Kashmiri Traders
SRINAGAR: President of the People’s Democratic Front (PDF) and former Minister, Hakeem Mohammad Yaseen, on Monday expressed deep anguish and serious concern over a fresh and alarming wave of harassment, intimidation and targeted assaults against Kashmiri shawl sellers in several states, including Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Haryana.
In a statement issued here, Hakeem Mohammad Yaseen urged Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to intervene immediately to ensure the safety, dignity and livelihood of Kashmiri traders who earn their bread through lawful and honest means across the country.
Hakeem said that reports of Kashmiri shawl sellers being harassed, threatened, assaulted and forced to leave their places of work are deeply disturbing and reflect a dangerous trend that cannot be ignored. “It is extremely unfortunate that despite repeated assurances by authorities and representations made at different levels, Kashmiri traders continue to face hostility and violence in various parts of the country,” he said.
The PDF president noted that Kashmiri shawl sellers, many of whom travel seasonally to different states, are among the most hardworking sections of society and have long contributed to the local economies wherever they work. “These traders are ambassadors of Kashmir’s rich culture and craftsmanship. Targeting them not only hurts individual families but also damages the image of communal harmony and brotherhood that India stands for,” he added.
Hakeem Mohammad Yaseen stressed that the recurring nature of such incidents points to a failure in ensuring adequate protection and confidence-building measures for Kashmiri people living or working outside Jammu and Kashmir. He said that fear and insecurity among traders have increased sharply, forcing many to consider returning home and abandoning their only source of income.
Calling for immediate action, Hakeem urged the Union Ministry of Home Affairs to issue clear directions to the concerned state governments to provide full security to Kashmiri traders and take strict action against those involved in harassment or violence.
“There must be zero tolerance for such acts. Those responsible should be identified and punished under the law to send a strong message that such behavior will not be allowed,” he said. He also appealed to the Lieutenant Governor and the Chief Minister to take up the matter forcefully with their counterparts in the affected states and ensure proper coordination with local administrations and police.
“The J&K administration must proactively engage with other states to guarantee safety, helplines, and quick response mechanisms for Kashmiri traders,” Hakeem emphasized. The former minister further appealed to civil society, political parties and people at large to stand against hatred and violence and uphold the spirit of unity and coexistence. “Kashmiris have always believed in peace and harmony. It is the collective responsibility of all stakeholders to ensure that no citizen is targeted because of his identity or place of origin,” he said.
Hakeem Mohammad Yaseen reiterated that the PDF will continue to raise its voice until concrete steps are taken and Kashmiri shawl sellers are able to work across the country without fear, insecurity or discrimination.
