In a swift response to a brutal attack on a young Kashmiri shawl seller in Uttarakhand, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has directly engaged with his counterpart, Pushkar Singh Dhami. The incident, which has sparked outrage across social media and political circles, involved a vicious beating that left the 18-year-old victim with severe injuries, including broken bones.
Abdullah wasted no time, reaching out to Dhami on Thursday to demand stringent action against the perpetrators. According to an official statement from the J&K CM’s office posted on X, Abdullah pressed for immediate measures to ensure justice and reassured safety for J&K residents traveling or working elsewhere in India.
Dhami responded positively, assuring that an FIR would be lodged promptly and all necessary steps taken to secure the victim’s protection and pursue the culprits rigorously. This assurance comes amid growing concerns over rising incidents of violence targeting Kashmiris outside the region.
The attack has drawn sharp political reactions. PDP leader Iltija Mufti condemned the assault vehemently, highlighting it as part of a disturbing pattern where attackers seem emboldened by perceived impunity. In a pointed post on X, Mufti questioned Dhami directly, urging him to break the cycle of unchecked aggression against Kashmiri youth.
This episode underscores deeper tensions, as Kashmiris engaged in traditional trades like shawl selling often face hostility in other states. Authorities in Uttarakhand have promised a thorough investigation, but public sentiment demands more than words—tangible action to prevent future atrocities.
As the story develops, eyes are on whether swift justice will be served, potentially setting a precedent for handling such inter-state hate crimes. The J&K government continues to monitor the situation closely, advocating for the welfare of its citizens nationwide.
