The Jammu and Kashmir Students Association (JKSA) on Thursday issued a strong statement condemning what it described as “alarming reports of profiling, harassment, intimidation, and sudden eviction” faced by Kashmiri shawl sellers and students in Himachal Pradesh.
The Association appealed for the “immediate intervention” of Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu.
JKSA National Convenor Nasir Khuehami in a statement issued to news agency KINSsaid, “Kashmiri shawl sellers have alleged that local panchayat authorities, right-wing groups, and some individuals are forcibly checking their bags on baseless suspicions of carrying weapons or explosives. Vendors are being restricted from moving freely without prior verification from the panchayat and local police, creating fear, insecurity, and unnecessary obstacles to their livelihood.”
He added, “Parallel to this, Kashmiri students in several states are facing aggressive verification drives, intimidating questioning, hostel disturbances, and hostile behaviour from certain locals. Some students have even been asked to vacate their accommodations without notice, forcing many to think about returning home out of fear. Such sweeping suspicion and discriminatory treatment undermine their safety, dignity, and right to live and study peacefully.”
Khuehami warned that such “reprehensible actions risk inciting anti-Muslim sentiments, harming communal harmony, and damaging the social fabric that binds India’s diverse communities.”
Urging strong action from the Himachal Chief Minister, JKSA said, “We appeal to the CM to intervene immediately, order an impartial inquiry, and direct the administration to halt any form of discriminatory conduct. Strong instructions must be issued to ensure that no citizen is harassed or profiled on the basis of identity or region. Strict legal action against those responsible will send a clear message that communal bigotry has no place in an inclusive and progressive society.”
The Association noted that Kashmiri students and traders have lived, studied, and worked peacefully across India for years. “They believe in India’s democracy, pluralism, and constitutional values and have consistently rejected terrorism and secessionism. Yet, they are being vilified and unfairly targeted in the aftermath of the blast—an unacceptable and deeply concerning trend,” Khuehami said.
He further asserted, “Harassing and threatening Kashmiris on a daily basis like this, while simultaneously trying to sell the idea of ‘atoot ang’, simply won’t resonate. Genuine integration comes from respect, dignity, and empathy—not intimidation, threats, or force.”
Khuehami urged the Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister to “ensure the safety, dignity, and rights of Kashmiri shawl sellers and students, safeguard their accommodations, and prevent any action that could fuel mistrust or communal tension. Swift measures are essential to restore confidence so they can live, work, and study without fear.”(KINS)
