Attack on Kashmiri Shawl Vendor in Uttarakhand Sparks Outrage; Omar Abdullah Calls for Strict Action

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has taken immediate cognizance of the alleged attack on a young Kashmiri shawl vendor in Uttarakhand. On Thursday, he spoke with Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, urging strict action against the perpetrators. The Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister’s Office confirmed the development.

Omar Abdullah’s Statement
Chief Minister Abdullah condemned the incident, linking it to recent attacks in Himachal Pradesh, and emphasized that such acts of violence will not be tolerated under any circumstances. He stressed that while Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of India, Kashmiris living in other parts of the country continue to face threats and intimidation. The government has assured that all necessary measures will be taken to prevent such incidents from recurring. Abdullah also expressed hope that the Ministry of Home Affairs will raise awareness in other states about the safety and security of Kashmiri residents.

Call for Action Against Perpetrators
The J&K CM’s office posted on social media platform X that Omar Abdullah had requested Uttarakhand CM Dhami to ensure strict action against the assailants. Dhami reportedly assured that a First Information Report (FIR) would be filed, and stringent action would be taken to safeguard the security of Kashmiri residents in Uttarakhand.

PDP Condemns the Attack
The incident was also strongly condemned by Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leader Iltija Mufti, who called for immediate action against the attackers. In a social media post, Mufti wrote that the 18-year-old Kashmiri vendor was beaten with iron rods until his bones were shattered, marking yet another instance of violence against Kashmiris in India, where perpetrators often escape justice.

Political Allegations
Mufti further alleged that such violence is no longer the work of a few isolated individuals, claiming that the BJP is actively mainstreaming such actors, removing them from the margins of society. She questioned Uttarakhand CM Dhami, asking whether he could ensure that the perpetrators would be held accountable.