Miscreants attack, loot Kupwara shawl seller in Punjab

Srinagar, Jan 19: In a shocking incident, a shawl seller from Kupwara was allegedly attacked, beaten, and looted in Punjab’s Kapurthala area by three unidentified miscreants.
The victim, identified as Mohammad Shafi Khawaja from Kralpora, Kupwara, was brutally assaulted, leaving him with multiple bruises.
According to the Jammu and Kashmir Students Association, Khawaja was thrashed, punched, slapped, and dragged by the attackers. The association condemned the act, highlighting the increasing vulnerability of Kashmiri traders working outside the valley.
In a statement on Sunday, the Students Association revealed that it has taken up the matter with the Punjab government. Chief Secretary KAP Sinha has assured the association that prompt action will be taken. Sinha directed Punjab DGP Gaurav Yadav to identify the culprits and initiate strict action against those responsible for the attack.
The association also expressed concern over the growing number of such incidents targeting Kashmiri traders. Recently, several similar cases have been reported in Haryana and Punjab. In one instance, a woman was seen in a viral video shouting at two Kashmiri shawl sellers, threatening them to leave Haryana. In another case, a group of Kashmiri traders reported being ordered to leave Haryana, leading to severe distress among their families.
The continuous attacks on Kashmiri traders have raised alarm among their families, who worry about the safety of their loved ones working in various parts of the country.
The Students Association has urged the governments of Punjab and Haryana to ensure the safety of Kashmiri workers and take necessary measures to prevent such incidents in the future.