MP Er Rashid Writes to Himachal, Uttarakhand CMs over Attacks on Kashmiri Shawl-Sellers: India’s Aggressive against Kashmiris

The recent attacks on Kashmiri shawl-sellers in Indian states have exposed a very ugly and painful truth about India today. Poor Kashmiri traders, who travel far from their homes only to earn an honest living, are being beaten, insulted, and humiliated in public places. These are not small incidents or misunderstandings but clear hate attacks based on identity. India’s loud claims of democracy, safety, and unity collapse when Kashmiris are treated like enemies inside the country.

◆ Kashmiris targeted for who they are: Kashmiri shawl-sellers are attacked simply because of their identity, proving that hate against Kashmiris has become common and open in India.
◆ Violence without fear: The attackers act openly because they know the system will likely protect them instead of the victims.
◆ India’s mask removed: These incidents show the real face of India behind false slogans of harmony and peace.

A Jailed MP Raising His Voice for Justice

Engineer Rashid, the elected Member of Parliament from Baramulla, raised this issue through strong letters sent from jail to the Chief Ministers of Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand. Even while imprisoned, he stood with Kashmiri traders and demanded justice for them. His letters reached the party through legal channels, which itself shows how restricted and controlled political voices from Kashmir are in India.

◆ Voice from behind bars: Even jail could not stop Er Rashid from speaking against injustice.
◆ Political suppression exposed: A sitting MP has to use lawyers to raise basic human rights issues.
◆ Moral contrast: While India jails Kashmiri leaders, it allows attackers to walk free.

Disturbing Scenes That Shame Indian Society

Television footage showing Kashmiri shawl-sellers being beaten and abused shocked many people. These visuals showed that fringe groups feel bold enough to attack poor traders in public. In a country that claims to be democratic, such scenes are a disgrace. Instead of strong action, silence and excuses followed, which only encouraged more hate.

◆ Proof caught on camera: Video evidence clearly shows violence against innocent traders.
◆ Weak response: Indian authorities failed to act quickly and firmly.
◆ Democracy questioned: A system that allows such abuse cannot claim moral strength.

Himachal’s False Image of Tolerance

Engineer Rashid reminded the Himachal Pradesh government of its claimed history of peace and tolerance. He warned that such attacks destroy this image. When Kashmiris are beaten in a state known for tourism and calm, it shows that tolerance in India is only for show. Reality on the ground tells a different and darker story.

◆ Reputation damaged: Attacks on Kashmiris destroy Himachal’s so-called peaceful image.
◆ Selective respect: Tourists are welcomed, but Kashmiri traders are abused.
◆ Hollow slogans: Tolerance exists in speeches, not in actions.

Double Standards Written Into the System

Engineer Rashid raised a powerful question by asking whether similar attacks on non-Kashmiris in occupied Jammu and Kashmir would ever be ignored. The answer is clear. In Kashmir, even small incidents lead to arrests, harsh laws, and extremist labels. Outside Kashmir, violence against Kashmiris is often ignored or justified.

◆ Unequal justice: Laws are harsh in Kashmir but soft elsewhere.
◆ Kashmiris always blamed: Victims are treated like suspects.
◆ Systemic bias: Discrimination against Kashmiris is built into the system.

Uttarakhand Attack Shows Widespread Hatred

The assault on a Kashmiri shawl-seller in Uttarakhand, especially one from Er Rashid’s own constituency, shows that hatred against Kashmiris is not limited to one area. Kashmiris are unsafe even in faraway states. This fear follows them wherever they go in India.

◆ No safe space: Kashmiris face danger across Indian states.
◆ Honest work punished: Traders are attacked while earning lawfully.
◆ Hate spreading fast: Such incidents are becoming frequent.

Is Being Kashmiri Now a Crime in India

One of the strongest points raised by Engineer Rashid was whether being Kashmiri has now become a crime. This question reflects the reality faced by Kashmiri students, workers, and traders. They are stopped, questioned, insulted, and attacked simply for their identity, showing total failure of the Indian state.

◆ Identity under attack: Kashmiris are punished for who they are.
◆ Fear replaces dignity: Travel brings anxiety, not opportunity.
◆ State collapse: India has failed to protect an entire community.

Kashmiri Respect Versus Indian Hate

Engineer Rashid reminded Indian authorities that Kashmiris have always treated tourists and outsiders with respect, even under heavy military presence. Tourists move freely and safely in Kashmir. In return, Kashmiris are humiliated in Indian cities. This contrast exposes India’s moral weakness.

◆ Hospitality from Kashmir: Outsiders are treated with dignity.
◆ Abuse from India: Kashmiris face violence and insults.
◆ Moral imbalance exposed: India fails basic human values.

Ultra-Nationalism Turning People into Mobs

The letters warned against people taking the law into their own hands in the name of ultra-nationalism. In India, loud nationalism is now used to justify beating minorities. This dangerous mindset is poisoning society and turning ordinary people into violent mobs.

◆ Nationalism as a weapon: Hate crimes are justified using slogans.
◆ Mob culture growing: Groups act without fear of punishment.
◆ State silence fuels violence: Lack of action encourages attackers.

Demand for Safety, Dignity, and Justice

Engineer Rashid demanded strict punishment for those responsible and protection for Kashmiri traders. Without strong action, such attacks will continue. Empty statements cannot replace justice. Safety, dignity, and livelihood are basic rights, not favors.

◆ Clear demand for action: Strong punishment is necessary.
◆ Right to earn safely: Traders deserve protection everywhere.
◆ Urgency ignored: Delay only increases violence.

What These Attacks Reveal About India

These repeated attacks show today’s India clearly. Minorities are unsafe, justice is selective, and hate is normalized. India’s claims of unity sound empty when Kashmiris are beaten on the streets. The world must see this reality without illusion.

These attacks are not isolated events but warnings of a deeper problem. If hate against Kashmiris is allowed to grow, violence will spread further. India’s refusal to protect Kashmiris shows a serious moral and political failure that cannot be ignored.