The Jammu and Kashmir Students Association on Thursday expressed deep shock and anguish over the brutal assault on an 18-year-old Kashmiri youth who was selling shawls along with his family in the Vikas Nagar area of Uttarakhand.
According to the association, the young boy was seriously injured after being allegedly assaulted by a group of individuals on Wednesday evening while trying to earn a dignified livelihood. The attack left him with multiple injuries.
National Convenor of Association Nasir Khuehami said that the youth, who was helping his family survive the harsh winter months by selling shawls, was attacked by a group of fringe elements and beaten mercilessly. “He sustained a fracture in his left arm and suffered serious head injuries after being struck with iron rods. Blood was reportedly oozing from his head following the assault,” Khuehami said.
He further stated that the victim was first questioned about his identity. “After learning that the family belonged to the Muslim community and hailed from Kashmir, the attackers turned violent. Other family members were allegedly dragged, slapped, and assaulted during the incident.
The association said the injured boy was initially taken to a local hospital and later referred to Doon Hospital, Dehradun, where his condition is stated to be serious.
Terming the incident as deeply disturbing, the Association said it reflects a chilling example of communal profiling, intimidation, and mob violence against vulnerable communities striving to earn an honest livelihood.
The Jammu and Kashmir Students Association Urged Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami to intervene immediately, ensure the registration of a strict FIR, and direct the authorities to book all those involved under relevant sections of law. The association also demanded adequate protection and security for Kashmiri traders, labourers, and students working and studying in the state.
“Violence, communal hatred, and vigilantism cannot and must not be normalised. The State has a constitutional obligation to protect every citizen, irrespective of region, religion, or identity,” JKSA said, adding that exemplary, time-bound action is necessary to restore confidence and prevent the recurrence of such incidents.
The association further urged the Chief Minister to issue clear directions to the district police and ensure confidence-building measures to reassure vulnerable communities that the rule of law will prevail over mob prejudice. “Swift and decisive action will not only deliver justice to the victim but will also send a strong message that Uttarakhand will not tolerate violence rooted in hate or communal profiling,” he added.(JKNS)
