Full Breakdown
Rising Attacks on Kashmiri Shawl Sellers in India
2/22/2026, 12:11:06 PM
Surge in Attacks and Community Response
In recent weeks, a notable increase in attacks on Kashmiri shawl sellers across India has prompted many to reconsider their safety and livelihood strategies. Ayaz Ahmad, a 28-year-old shawl seller, has established a WhatsApp group to alert fellow traders about areas to avoid due to harassment. This initiative arose after an incident in Uttarakhand, where 18-year-old Tabish Ahmad Ganie was brutally attacked by a Hindu shopkeeper, highlighting the growing dangers faced by Kashmiri traders. Ganie, who suffered severe injuries, stated, “Not for anything I had done, but simply because of my identity as a Kashmiri Muslim.”
Context of Rising Hostility
The attacks on Kashmiri traders are part of a broader trend of hostility fueled by anti-Kashmiri rhetoric, often propagated by influential figures associated with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Since Modi's ascent to power in 2014, anti-Muslim sentiments have surged, with Kashmiris facing a dual burden of religious and regional discrimination. Bilal Ahmad, another shawl vendor, recounted being attacked for refusing to chant a nationalist slogan, leading him to close his business and return to Kashmir due to safety concerns.
Economic Pressures and Difficult Choices
Returning to Kashmir is fraught with challenges, as the region suffers from high unemployment and limited job opportunities. Many young Kashmiris migrate to other Indian states for work, but the recent surge in violence has forced some to reconsider their options. Reports indicate that approximately 200 incidents of harassment against Kashmiri students and traders have occurred recently, with many facing threats and violence. Bashir Ahmad, a shawl seller, experienced abuse in Punjab and subsequently advised others to avoid certain areas.
Political Reactions and Calls for Action
The political response to these attacks has been mixed. Kashmir's Chief Minister Omar Abdullah condemned the violence and urged state leaders to take action. Meanwhile, Mehbooba Mufti, former Chief Minister and leader of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), accused state authorities of tacitly supporting mob violence. In contrast, BJP spokesman Altaf Thakur denounced the attacks as “wrong and unacceptable,” asserting that Kashmiris are an integral part of India.
Ongoing Climate of Fear
The atmosphere of fear among Kashmiri traders is palpable, as many families prioritize safety over economic stability. Abdul Hakeem, a fruit seller, recounted leaving behind significant financial losses due to threats he faced in Punjab. His mother expressed a preference for their family to go without food rather than risk their son's safety. Kashmiri lawmaker Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami characterized the attacks as a “troubling pattern” that sends alarming signals to the community, emphasizing the need for urgent intervention to protect vulnerable traders.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Not for anything I had done, but simply because of my identity as a Kashmiri Muslim,” — Tabish Ahmad Ganie, Kashmiri shawl seller.
- “We would rather go without food than see our son get into trouble,” — Misra Begum, Abdul Hakeem’s mother.
- “Kashmiris, particularly small traders and shawl sellers, travel to different parts of the country to earn a livelihood, but repeated assaults and intimidation were causing fear and insecurity,” — Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami, Kashmiri lawmaker.
