Kashmiri Shawl Seller Allegedly Forced To Chant 'Bharat Mata Ki Jai', JKSA Demands Legal Action

Last Updated:December 21, 2025, 21:45 IST

The incident took place in the Dera area of Kangra, where the shawl seller, who hails from Kupwara in north Kashmir, was allegedly forced to chant “Bharat Mata Ki Jai.”

Kashmiri shawl seller | Image: Instagram

The Jammu and Kashmir Students Association (JKSA) on Sunday condemned the alleged harassment of a Kashmiri shawl seller in Himachal Pradesh’s Kangra district and demanded the registration of an FIR against those involved, calling the incident a violation of constitutional rights.

According to the association, the incident took place in the Dera area of Kangra, where the shawl seller, who hails from Kupwara in north Kashmir, was allegedly forced to chant “Bharat Mata Ki Jai," threatened with eviction, and asked to leave the state if he continued his business.

The trader reportedly refused to chant the slogan, stating that while he loves India, the Constitution allows citizens to express patriotism in their own way.

The JKSA described the episode as an act of coercion and humiliation.

Its national convenor, Nasir Khuehami, said this was the 15th reported incident this year involving the harassment of Kashmiri shawl sellers in different parts of the country, indicating a worrying pattern of targeting traders who travel outside Jammu and Kashmir for their livelihood.

“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 imposed through fear or intimidation," Khuehami said in a statement.

He urged Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu to intervene and direct the police to register a case against those responsible under appropriate legal provisions.

Khuehami said firm action was necessary to send a message that vigilantism and communal harassment would not be tolerated.

The association noted that Kashmiri shawl sellers have been working in Himachal Pradesh for decades and have contributed to the local economy and social fabric.

However, it said repeated incidents of harassment were creating fear and insecurity among traders and their families.

“Nothing harms the idea of India in Kashmir more than the repeated humiliation of Kashmiris while claims of integration are made. True integration comes from respect and dignity, not intimidation," Khuehami said.

The JKSA also called on the state government to ensure the safety and dignity of Kashmiri traders and issue clear instructions to district administrations to prevent harassment, profiling or coercion based on identity or region.

It said swift and visible action was essential to uphold constitutional values of equality, fraternity and justice.

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