Kashmiri teen brutally assaulted in Uttarakhand, fighting for life
New Delhi: A 16-year-old Kashmiri shawl seller was brutally attacked in Uttarakhand, leaving him seriously injured and requiring at least 15 stitches, in yet another incident reflecting growing hostility towards Kashmiris across India.
According to Kashmir Media Service, the minor, who had travelled from occupied Kashmir to Uttarakhand to earn a livelihood through the sale of shawls, was assaulted without provocation by a local Hindutva gang. The attack left him bleeding profusely and in a state of shock, after which he was rushed to a nearby hospital for medical treatment.
His family said the victim was targeted solely because of his Kashmiri identity. The attackers reportedly fled the scene after the assault, while local residents later shifted the injured boy to hospital. The incident has triggered outrage among Kashmiris, who say such attacks expose the deep-rooted prejudice and insecurity they face outside their homeland.
The victim’s family expressed grave concern over his safety and appealed to the authorities to ensure justice and protection for Kashmiris working in different parts of India to support their families.
The attack highlights the alarming rise in hate crimes against Kashmiris, particularly young workers and students, who are increasingly subjected to violence, harassment and intimidation. The climate of fear has worsened in recent years due to sustained hate campaigns and communal rhetoric.
Incidents of Kashmiri shawl sellers, traders, students and labourers being assaulted, threatened or forced to flee have been repeatedly reported from several Indian states, including Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh and Haryana. Kashmiris say despite repeated assurances, perpetrators often go unpunished, encouraging further attacks.
