Uttarakhand, Dec 26:
An FIR has been registered in Uttarakhand’s Udham Singh Nagar district against a local Bajrang Dal leader and several others for the alleged assault and harassment of a Kashmiri shawl vendor. The incident, which took place in Kashipur, has sparked outrage and calls for the protection of seasonal Kashmiri traders.
On Monday afternoon, December 22, 28-year-old Bilal Ahmad Ganie, a resident of Kupwara, North Kashmir, was intercepted while conducting door-to-door sales. Ganie, who has traveled to Uttarakhand every winter for the past eight years to support his family, was allegedly waylaid by a group of men on motorcycles.
According to reports and a viral video of the incident, Ganie was subjected to physical violence, verbal abuse, and was coerced into chanting slogans. The attackers allegedly threatened him with death and told him to vacate the area. The primary accused has been identified as Ankur Singh, a local leader of the Bajrang Dal.
While the victim initially hesitated to pursue a case due to fear of retaliation and the burden of a long legal battle, the Jammu and Kashmir Students Association (JKSA) intervened to seek justice. Following a formal complaint, the Uttarakhand Police have officially taken the matter on record. Inspector General of Police (Kumaon Region), Riddhim Agarwal, confirmed that multiple police teams have been dispatched to apprehend the accused. Search operations are currently underway in Kashipur and surrounding areas, with arrests expected shortly.
The JKSA has welcomed the registration of the FIR, emphasizing that the rule of law must prevail to protect the dignity of all citizens.
“The safety and dignity of Kashmiri traders and all minorities must be protected. We urge the Uttarakhand Police to ensure a fair investigation and strict punishment for those involved,” said Mir Zubair, National Media Coordinator of the JKSA.
Political leaders from Jammu and Kashmir have also expressed concern, urging Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami to ensure that such incidents do not recur and that the environment remains safe for those who depend on seasonal migration for their livelihood.
The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has reportedly taken note of the incident, reinforcing that harassment against traders will not be tolerated.
