JKSA condemns harassment of Kashmiri shawl seller in Himachal Pradesh

Srinagar, Dec 21: The Jammu and Kashmir Students Association (JKSA) on Sunday condemned the harassment of a Kashmiri shawl seller in the Dera area of Kangra district in Himachal Pradesh, where he was allegedly forced to chant “Bharat Mata Ki Jai,” threatened with eviction, and asked to leave the state if he continued his business.

In a statement, the Association termed the incident an act of coercion, humiliation, and a blatant violation of constitutional values.

The shawl seller, who hails from Kupwara in Kashmir, refused to chant the slogan, stating that while he loves India, the Constitution guarantees him the right to express his patriotism in his own way. National Convenor of Association, Nasir Khuehami, said this is the fifteenth such incident this year involving harassment of Kashmiri shawl sellers, pointing to a disturbing and dangerous pattern of targeting peaceful traders earning their livelihood across the country. “Forcing anyone to chant slogans to prove patriotism is unconstitutional and deeply degrading. The Constitution of India does not compel any citizen to chant any slogan. Patriotism cannot be enforced through fear or intimidation; it must arise from freedom, dignity, and equal rights,” Khuehami said.

He urged Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu to intervene immediately and direct the police to register an FIR against the right-wing element involved under relevant sections of law. “Such behaviour must not go unchecked. Strict action will send a clear message that communal bigotry and vigilantism will not be tolerated in a progressive and inclusive society,” he asserted.