SRINAGAR, Dec 26: The Ministry of Home Affairs has taken serious note of an assault on a Kashmiri shawl vendor in Uttarakhand, asserting that such attacks on Kashmiri traders will not be tolerated under any circumstances.
A senior MHA official stated, “The Ministry has taken strong note of the incident and made it clear that such acts against Kashmiri shawl sellers will not be tolerated at any cost.” The official emphasized that Kashmiri traders are equal Indian citizens with constitutional rights to conduct business anywhere in the country.
On December 22, 2025, Bilal Ahmad Ganie (28), a shawl seller from Kupwara district in Kashmir, was attacked in the Kashipur area of Udham Singh Nagar district while conducting door-to-door sales. Bilal has been working as a seasonal vendor in Uttarakhand for over eight winters to support his family during harsh weather conditions.
According to police, the primary accused, Ankur Singh—a local Bajrang Dal leader—allegedly led a group of five men who assaulted Bilal. The victim was subjected to physical violence, verbal abuse, death threats, and intimidation. During the attack, he was forcibly coerced into chanting “Bharat Mata Ki Jai” slogans.
Initially, the case faced attempts at informal settlement through a “mafinama” (apology letter) at Goshala Police Chowki, delaying formal registration. However, after a video of the assault went viral and sparked public outrage, the matter reached New Delhi.
The MHA issued a strong directive to the Uttarakhand administration to ensure strict enforcement of rule of law. This intervention prompted Uttarakhand DGP Deepam Seth and the Governor to prioritize the case, triggering a full-scale crackdown.
Law enforcement agencies have arrested three accused persons so far, with further raids and detentions expected as the investigation expands. An FIR (No. 517/2025) has been registered under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including charges of criminal intimidation, assault, threat to life, and coercion.
Officials confirmed that no pressure or settlement attempts will derail the prosecution. A senior police official said the case will be investigated in mission-mode to ensure justice is delivered transparently and expeditiously.
