Kashmiris Face Rising Violence Amidst Political Turmoil in India

In the wake of a tragic attack that claimed 26 lives in Kashmir, the ensuing anger has ignited violence against Kashmiri individuals across India. Shabir Ahmad Dar, a pashmina shawl seller in Mussoorie, faced brutal harassment and assault by a right-wing group enraged by the events in Kashmir. Amid increasing threats to their safety, many Kashmiris who once felt secure in their livelihoods are now fleeing their homes, evoking memories of a turbulent history and further exacerbating communal tensions.

Dar's experience is emblematic of a growing sentiment of fear among Kashmiri residents. Following the attack in Pahalgam, reports of criminal acts targeting Kashmiris have surged, including harassment in public spaces and on college campuses. Survivors urge for understanding and peace, yet many feel ostracized and unsafe even in familiar surroundings. The Indian government's heavy-handed response, described as collective punishment, has heightened feelings of mistrust and insecurity among the Kashmiri populace, who believe they are unfairly suffering the consequences of violence linked to militancy. As civil liberties diminish under the guise of security, the future of communal harmony remains uncertain, mired in a complex web of historical grievances and contemporary fears.