Call for govt intervention to ensure safety, dignity, rights of Kashmiris living outside their homeland
SRINAGAR: In view of the growing incidents of harassment targeting Kashmiri students, businessmen across various parts of India, the Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCC&I) and Kashmir Trader Alliance (KTA) have strongly condemned such actions and taken up the matter with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, and Chief MinisterOmar Abdullah.
KCC&I said it is deeply concerned about the violence against Kashmiris and has appealed for urgent intervention. In official communications addressed to the Prime Minister, Home Minister, Lieutenant Governor, and Chief Minister, KCC&I has requested that the Central Government co-ordinate with all concerned state governments and union territories to ensure effective protection for Kashmiris across India.
Reports indicate that Kashmiris residing in other states have faced intimidation and threats, with some receiving ultimatums to vacate their residences. Such developments have created anxiety and fear within the Kashmiri community.
KCC&I has called for urgent directives to safeguard the safety, security, and dignity of Kashmiri students, business people, and residents living outside Jammu & Kashmir, preventing harassment and forced displacement.
The Chamber has urged both Central and State governments to implement immediate protective measures for Kashmiris living outside the region to uphold their rights and safety.
The Kashmir Trade Alliance (KTA) in a statement said these incidents have caused significant distress within the Kashmiri community nationwide.
Aijaz Shahdhar, President of KTA, stated, “Kashmir has always stood firmly against violence and remains committed to peace and harmony. We, as a community, are as deeply hurt by the loss of innocent lives as any other section of the country, if not more. However, the disturbing reports of Kashmiri students and residents being threatened and harassed are utterly condemnable.”
The KTA urges Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to take immediate and effective measures to ensure the safety and security of all Kashmiri citizens living and working across the nation and to put a stop to such acts of intimidation and hostility.
“The dignity and safety of Kashmiri students, businessmen, and residents must be safeguarded at all costs. We call for institutional support and stringent actions against those responsible for fostering an atmosphere of fear and discrimination,” added Shahdhar.
The Kashmir Trade Alliance stands united in promoting peace, coexistence, and mutual respect among all communities.
Meanwhile, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq in a post on X said, “Fear and distress expressed by Kashmiri’s outside, especially students who are being attacked in the aftermath of the dastardly Pahalgam incident seen on videos circulating, is deeply concerning. Urge the concerned authorities to immediately intervene and ensure their safety and protection.”