Srinagar: The Peoples Democratic Party on Saturday staged a protest in Srinagar against what it described as rising incidents of harassment and violence against Kashmiris outside the Union Territory, with particular reference to the recent assault on a young Kashmiri shawl seller in Uttarakhand.
Carrying placards and raising slogans against hate crimes, PDP workers and supporters assembled in the city, condemning the attack and alleging that Kashmiris are increasingly being targeted because of their identity. Protesters said the victim’s only fault was that he was a Kashmiri and a Muslim trying to earn a livelihood during the winter season.
The party leaders from female wing said such incidents reflect a disturbing pattern of intolerance and urged authorities in other states to ensure the safety and dignity of Kashmiris working or studying outside Jammu and Kashmir. They demanded strict action against those involved in the Uttarakhand assault and called for confidence-building measures so that people from the Valley do not live in fear beyond their home region.
The protest remained peaceful, with speakers stressing that Kashmiris have always rejected violence and deserve protection under the Constitution wherever they reside in the country. [KNT]
