Rehan Qayoom Mir
Srinagar, Dec 26: The Kotwali Kashipur police in Uttarakhand on Friday said they have taken strict action following a viral video showing the assault of Kashmiri traders.
An FIR has been registered in this regard, and the accused have been taken into police custody, officials added.
The incident, which occurred on December 22, involved a group of men assaulting a Kashmiri shawl seller in Kashipur. The video, first circulated on December 24 via social media, prompted immediate police intervention.
SSP Udham Singh Nagar said in a video statement, said that the police are investigating the case under sections 191(2), 115(2), 351(3), 352, 304, 622, 292, and 126(2) BNS. “The matter has been taken seriously. Those involved have been identified and taken into custody. Any further circulation of the video will attract legal action,” he added.
The police have also urged the public not to spread rumours or share the video on social media, stressing that maintaining law and order and ensuring the safety of traders remains a priority.
It is important to mention that the Kashmiri traders outside the Valley often face challenges while operating businesses outside J&K.
Meanwhile, the Jammu and Kashmir Students Association (JKSA), in a statement issued to KNO, said the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has assured it of strict action and a “zero tolerance” approach towards any assault or intimidation of Kashmiri shawl sellers.
The Association has taken up the matter with senior authorities at the Centre, in the Uttarakhand government, and in Jammu and Kashmir.
Confirming the development, National Convenor of the Association, Nasir Khuehami, said an FIR has been registered in the case and the main accused, identified as Bajrang Dal leader Ankur Singh, has been arrested, while other accused involved in the incident have also been taken into custody. The Association welcomed the swift action taken by the Uttarakhand Police in the matter.
Khuehami said that after the issue was brought to the attention of senior authorities, the Director General of Police (DGP) of Uttarakhand informed him that an FIR had been registered in connection with the incident.
He further said that the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kumaon Range, Riddhim Agarwal, informed the Association that the Uttarakhand Police had taken cognisance of the assault and the death threats issued to the victim.
“An FIR bearing No. 517/25 has been registered under Sections 191(2), 115(2), 351(3), 352, 304, 62, 292, and 126(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Police teams were constituted, raids were conducted, arrests were made, and legal proceedings have also been initiated against the accused under the relevant provisions of the Police Act. All the accused have been arrested,” Khuehami added.
Officials, Khuehami said, have assured that no pressure or settlement attempt will derail the prosecution and that the investigation will proceed strictly on merit to establish the full sequence of events, identify any additional accused, and fix liability under the law.
According to JKSA, the victim was assaulted, threatened with death, and asked to leave the state, creating an atmosphere of fear among Kashmiri traders who earn their livelihood by selling shawls seasonally across Uttarakhand and other states.
“The safety, dignity, and livelihood of Kashmiri traders and students across the country will be safeguarded, and the rule of law must prevail,” Khuehami said, quoting a senior MHA official.
The Association demanded strict punishment for all those involved and called upon state governments across the country to ensure the safety, dignity, and security of Kashmiri traders and students so that they can live and work without fear.
