The incident, captured on viral video draws sharp public reaction, raises serious questions about safety, dignity and equal citizenship for Muslims
NEW DELHI — A Kashmiri hawker was harassed and humiliated in Himachal Pradesh by a man who claimed to have served in the Indian Army, leading to widespread anger after the video went viral on social media.
The victim, identified as Ayub, had travelled from Kashmir to sell shawls and sweaters during the winter season, a common practice among Kashmiri traders. Many of these hawkers are Muslims who depend on seasonal travel to earn a living.
In the video which went viral on Thursday, the man stops Ayub in a public place and questions his presence. He claims he served in Kashmir for 13 years and repeatedly accuses Kashmiris of supporting terrorism.
“I served in Kashmir for almost 13 years,” the man says in the video, before adding, “You people throw stones at the army, don’t you?”
Ayub is seen responding calmly, saying, “No, I am a poor man. I have come here to work. Kashmir is part of India and we are all Indians.”
The man then asks Ayub whether he has permission to be in the area. Ayub replies, “Yes, I have permission from the village head and I have all my documents.”
Despite this, the man continues to insult him, using abusive language linked to Ayub’s religion. He accuses Muslims of spreading extremism and refers to a person named Salim, known for spreading false and hateful claims against Islam and Muslims online.
The tone of the exchange shows Ayub repeatedly trying to assert his loyalty to the country, while the man refuses to accept his replies.
“I am an Indian. I earn my bread honestly,” Ayub is heard saying in the video.
This incident is not isolated. Over the past few years, several cases have been reported where Kashmiri hawkers were threatened, beaten in different parts of the country.
Many traders say they face suspicion simply because they are Kashmiri and Muslim. Rights groups warn that such acts create fear among people who travel for work and weaken trust between communities.
A local resident, reacting to the video, said, “This man had no right to insult a poor trader. Being Kashmiri or Muslim does not make someone anti-national.”
What the accused man ignores is that thousands of Kashmiri Muslims serve the country every day. Many are part of the Jammu and Kashmir Police, the Indian Army and special units. Several have lost their lives while on duty.
A retired police officer from Srinagar said, “Kashmiri Muslims have given martyrs to this country. To call every Kashmiri a traitor is unfair and dangerous.”
Ayub’s case has become a reminder that Indian Muslims, especially from Kashmir, are often asked to prove their patriotism, even when they are simply trying to earn an honest living.
As the video continues to circulate, many are asking whether equal dignity and safety are truly guaranteed for all citizens, regardless of faith or region.
