New Delhi, Jan 30 (NationPress) Leaders from Jammu and Kashmir expressed strong disapproval on Friday regarding the alleged mob assault on a young Kashmiri shawl vendor in Uttarakhand. The victim reportedly sustained multiple fractures and serious injuries. Many leaders pointed out that such incidents appear to be on the rise in states governed by the BJP and urged for stringent actions against the perpetrators.

Reports indicate that the victim, a minor from Kashmir who traveled to Uttarakhand to sell shawls, was allegedly attacked by a group of individuals. This incident has spurred a wave of political outrage, with leaders from various parties labeling it as alarming and indicative of escalating intolerance.

In an interview with IANS, Jammu and Kashmir Congress President Tariq Hameed Karra voiced his concerns, stating, “This issue is extremely concerning. What we are witnessing is a sustained campaign by right-wing elements. It is not limited to two or three states. If you track such incidents over time, they are happening across the country under the policies and environment being created by right-wing forces.”

Karra further claimed that such occurrences are becoming more common in BJP-ruled states, asserting, “They may think that these actions will promote their religion or enhance nationalism, but the unfortunate reality is that these incidents are escalating wherever BJP governs.”

Independent MLA Shabir Ahmad Kullay also denounced the alleged attack, urging the Uttarakhand government to take action. “I strongly condemn this incident and request the Uttarakhand government to take it seriously, prevent its recurrence, identify and arrest those responsible, and ensure that strict and effective legal action is taken against the mischief-makers,” he stated.

Kullay emphasized the broader social implications of such events, saying, “Hatred has escalated to an extent that we can no longer tolerate each other. Uttarakhand is a neighboring state, and I appeal to everyone—whether in Kashmir or elsewhere—not to engage in such acts in the future.”

Congress spokesperson Surendra Rajput alleged that Kashmiri youth are being specifically targeted in BJP-ruled areas. “Wherever the BJP is in power, Kashmiri youths face violence, abuse, and coercion to chant slogans—be it in Lucknow or Uttarakhand. In Odisha, people lost their lives after being labeled as Bangladeshis. Such actions undermine the unity of citizens by continuously invoking Hindu-Muslim divisions,” he remarked.

Rajput insisted on strict measures, stating, “Those involved in such assaults should be imprisoned, and governments that fail to curb such violence must be held accountable.”

Peoples' Democratic Party (PDP) spokesperson Zuhaib Yousuf pointed out the economic reasons that compel Kashmiri youth to travel across the nation. “Kashmiri shawl sellers journey throughout the country due to significant unemployment at home. Today, when a shawl seller visits another state, he is often forced to chant slogans like ‘Vande Mataram’ or ‘Jai Shri Ram’. This is precisely what happened in Uttarakhand, where a 17-year-old boy was assaulted,” he explained.

Yousuf expressed concern over the normalization of such actions, stating, “There seems to be a dangerous mindset developing, where beating a Muslim, filming it, and coercing slogans is perceived as a shortcut to political recognition. This is regrettable and must not characterize our nation. What were previously termed ‘fringe elements’ have now been incorporated into mainstream society.”

National Conference spokesperson Tanvir Sadiq remarked that Chief Minister Omar Abdullah had taken notice of the incident. “The Chief Minister of J&K has communicated with the Uttarakhand Chief Minister. The primary accused has been apprehended, and we expect stringent measures. It is the duty of any state to ensure the safety of visitors, just as we care for those who come to our region,” he stated, describing the incident as unfortunate.

In response to the backlash, BJP spokesperson Pratul Shah Deo acknowledged the seriousness of the matter, stating, “This is a very concerning issue. The Uttarakhand government is thoroughly investigating the events and those responsible. Such incidents against anyone are intolerable, and the guilty will face consequences.”

The intervention by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday reportedly resulted in the arrest of the main suspect in the assault case, as investigations into the incident continue.