The incident triggers outrage among Kashmiris, who say such attacks expose the deep-rooted prejudice and insecurity they face outside their homeland
NEW DELHI – In yet another incident reflecting growing hostility towards Kashmiris across the country, especially in the states ruled by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) or its allies, an 18-year-old Kashmiri shawl seller was brutally attacked in Uttarakhand on Tuesday evening. The attack left the youth, who had travelled from Kashmir to Uttarakhand to earn a livelihood, seriously injured and requiring at least 15 stitches.
Reports reaching here on Thursday indicate that the assault on the teen took place in Vikas Nagar in Dehradun District without provocation by locals associated with a Hindutva outfit. The attack left him bleeding profusely and in a state of shock, after which he was rushed to a nearby hospital for medical treatment.
His family said the victim was targeted solely because of his Kashmiri identity. The attackers reportedly fled the scene after the assault. The victim was initially taken to a local hospital but was later referred to Doon Hospital in Dehradun due to the severity of his injuries. His relatives said blood oozed from his head after the assault and multiple bruises were visible on his body. His left arm has been fractured.
The incident has triggered outrage among Kashmiris, who say such attacks expose the deep-rooted prejudice and insecurity they face outside their homeland.
According to the Jammu and Kashmir Students Association, the teenager was first stopped and questioned about his identity. The situation escalated after the attackers came to know that he belonged to the Muslim community and was from Kashmir.
“The boy was beaten mercilessly, struck with iron rods and punched repeatedly. Other family members were also dragged, slapped and attacked,” the association said in a statement.
The victim’s family expressed grave concern over his safety and appealed to the authorities to ensure justice and protection for Kashmiris working in different parts of India to support their families.
The JKSA described the incident as a disturbing case of communal profiling and mob violence against a vulnerable family trying to survive through seasonal work. It warned that such attacks are creating fear among Kashmiri Muslims who travel to different states for employment.
Calling for immediate action, the association urged Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami to intervene and ensure the registration of a strict FIR. It demanded that all those involved in the assault be booked under relevant sections of law.
“This case must be pursued seriously to set a clear precedent against such acts of hate and violence,” the statement said, adding that the state has a constitutional duty to protect every citizen irrespective of region, religion, or identity.
The attack highlights the alarming rise in hate crimes against Kashmiris, particularly young workers and students, who are increasingly subjected to violence, harassment and intimidation. The climate of fear has worsened in recent years due to sustained hate campaigns and communal rhetoric.
Incidents of Kashmiri shawl sellers, traders, students and labourers being assaulted, threatened, or forced to flee have been repeatedly reported from several Indian states, including Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh and Haryana. Kashmiris claim that despite repeated assurances, perpetrators often go unpunished, which encourages further attacks.
