Kashmiri Shawl Seller Assaulted in Uttarakhand: Calls for Justice Grow

A Kashmiri shawl vendor, Bilal Ahmed Ganie, was violently attacked in Uttarakhand by individuals allegedly linked to a Hindutva group. The incident, which was captured on video and shared widely on social media, has sparked outrage and calls for justice. Ganie, who has been selling shawls in the area for nearly a decade, expressed fear of retaliation for pursuing legal action. Local authorities have initiated a case against the assailants, and political leaders are urging for accountability to prevent such incidents in the future. Read on for more details about this troubling event.

By Narendra Chaudhary Dec 26, 2025, 13:30 IST

Assault on Kashmiri Vendor Sparks Outrage

A Kashmiri shawl vendor was reportedly attacked by a group of men linked to a Hindutva organization in Kashipur, located in Uttarakhand's Udham Singh Nagar district, on Monday. The incident came to public attention on Thursday after a video of the assault circulated widely on social media.

In the footage, the vendor, Bilal Ahmed Ganie from Kupwara, is seen being assaulted by the attackers, who demanded that he chant 'Bharat mata ki jai'.

Ganie recounted to a local news outlet that the assailants inquired about his name and origin. Upon revealing he was from Kashmir, they began to physically assault him. 'They kicked and punched me, and one of them struck my legs with a stick, causing me to fall,' he explained.

He further stated, 'They insisted I shout 'Bharat mata ki jai', but I expressed my pride in saying 'Hindustan Zindabad' as this is my country.'

Witnesses reportedly encouraged the attackers and hurled insults at Ganie during the incident.

Ganie mentioned that he had filed a complaint but was hesitant to pursue it due to fears of retaliation from the group. 'While I seek justice and condemnation for this act, I am afraid of the repercussions,' he stated. 'I need to return to Kashmir in two months, and pursuing this case would tie me to Uttarakhand.'

Authorities in Udham Singh Nagar indicated that the video was sensitive and had been removed from social media. A case has been initiated under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including rioting and criminal intimidation.

The police confirmed that they have identified and detained the individuals featured in the viral video, assuring that a comprehensive investigation is underway and that strict legal action will follow against those responsible.

Mehbooba Mufti, leader of the Peoples Democratic Party, called on the Uttarakhand police chief to take action and ensure accountability for the perpetrators to prevent future incidents.

Nasir Khuehami, National Convenor of the Jammu and Kashmir Students Association, noted that Ganie had been selling shawls in Udham Singh Nagar for nearly a decade. He highlighted that Ganie faced threats, was ordered to leave the area, had his goods stolen, and was even threatened with death. Khuehami urged Uttarakhand's Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami to intervene and stop this cycle of violence, ensuring the swift arrest of the offenders.