Why Are Kashmiri Shawl Sellers Being Attacked in Different Indian States?

Muslims around the World

 In recent times, incidents of attacks on Kashmiri shawl sellers in various Indian states have been increasing one after another. As a result, many Kashmiris have been forced to return to their homeland, while others have adopted new strategies to balance security and livelihood.

Although some remain due to economic pressure, they are using WhatsApp groups to warn one another so that no Kashmiri shawl seller becomes a victim of attacks by Hindutva extremists.

Examples of Violent Attacks

Several examples of such attacks can be mentioned. Tabish Ahmad was assaulted in Gadarpur, Uttarakhand, where he lost consciousness due to the attack and his brother Danish was injured.

In another incident, a Kashmiri man named Bilal Ahmad was attacked by a Hindu group in Kashipur, Uttarakhand, and was forced to chant the slogan “Bharat Mata Ki Jai.”

In yet another case, Mohammad Ramzan Ramzan was assaulted by Hindu hawkers, who mockingly accused him of carrying an AK-47 in his bag.

Security Through WhatsApp Networks

Ayaz Ahmad, a 28-year-old young man, sells shawls in Hisab, Haryana. He runs a WhatsApp group with around two dozen members, where they alert one another daily about which areas are safe and which should be avoided, prioritizing security above all.

Economic Pressures After 2019

Kashmiri Muslims travel to other Indian states to earn a living, but their religion and Kashmiri identity are often viewed with suspicion. After the Indian central government revoked Kashmir’s partial autonomy in 2019, economic opportunities shrank and unemployment rose, forcing many Kashmiris to leave the region in search of livelihoods elsewhere in India. In those places, however, they have faced extremely violent attacks. Since 2025, nearly 200 incidents have been reported in which Kashmiri traders, students, and workers were attacked or threatened, compelling many to abandon those areas and return to Kashmir.

Political Reactions and Lack of Action

Although major political parties in Kashmir have urged the central government to intervene— including former chief ministers Omar Abdullah and Mehbooba Mufti, who described the attacks as unacceptable and a form of political intimidation—no concrete action has followed. Bharatiya Janata Party spokesperson Altaf Thakur condemned the violence and affirmed that Kashmiris are an integral part of India, calling the attacks alarming manifestations that create fear and insecurity among Kashmiris, yet without effective measures from the central government.

A Community Trapped Between Safety and Livelihood

In short, Kashmiri shawl sellers are trapped in a complex dilemma between safety and livelihood. Ongoing attacks and threats nationwide are forcing them to relocate and operate within limited areas, fostering a deep sense of fear and helplessness within the Kashmiri community.