Rahul Gandhi Condemns Attacks on Kashmiri Students, Traders; Expresses Solidarity with Victims

Srinagar, Feb 2026 : Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha and senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has strongly condemned the recent incidents of harassment and violence against Kashmiri students and seasonal traders reported from different parts of the country. In a letter addressed to the Jammu and Kashmir Students Association (JKSA), Gandhi expressed deep concern over what he termed a disturbing pattern of targeted attacks and intimidation, and extended his full solidarity to the victims and their families.

Gandhi wrote to JKSA National Convenor Nasir Khuehami in response to concerns raised by the association regarding multiple incidents involving Kashmiri students and shawl sellers living and working outside Jammu and Kashmir. These incidents, the association said, included harassment, physical assaults, threats, and intimidation, creating an atmosphere of fear and insecurity among members of the Kashmiri community.

In his letter, Gandhi noted that reports of violence against Kashmiri students and traders had emerged from several states in recent months, pointing to a wider social problem rather than isolated events. He described the situation as deeply troubling and warned that such acts strike at the very foundation of India’s pluralistic and democratic character.

The Congress leader attributed the rise in such incidents to what he described as the “politics of hate,” alleging that it had weakened democratic institutions and fractured the country’s social fabric. He claimed that certain divisive elements, emboldened either tacitly or overtly by those in power, were contributing to an environment in which minorities and marginalised communities felt increasingly unsafe.

Unequivocally condemning violence in all its forms, Gandhi reiterated his party’s commitment to constitutional values, secularism, and the protection of fundamental rights. He stressed that no citizen should face discrimination, fear, or violence on the basis of region, religion, or identity, and underlined the responsibility of the state to ensure safety and dignity for all.

Expressing empathy with those affected, Gandhi said the victims and their families had endured “unimaginable pain” and trauma. He assured them that he would continue to raise his voice, both inside and outside Parliament, against hatred, discrimination, and injustice. He also called for accountability and effective action to prevent the recurrence of such incidents.

The development comes amid growing concern over repeated reports of harassment and attacks on Kashmiri students and traders in states such as Uttarakhand, Punjab, and Himachal Pradesh, among others. These incidents have sparked anxiety within the Kashmiri community and prompted appeals for stronger protective measures.

The JKSA has been actively engaging with political leaders, law enforcement agencies, and administrative authorities, seeking timely intervention and safeguards to ensure the security of Kashmiri students and traders across the country. The association has emphasised that thousands of students from Jammu and Kashmir pursue education in universities and professional institutions outside the Union Territory, while many traders travel seasonally to sell traditional handicrafts such as shawls, walnut wood products, and other artisan goods.

While such exchanges contribute to social and cultural integration, recent incidents of hostility have undermined these efforts, reinforcing demands for stricter enforcement of law, greater sensitivity, and a reaffirmation of India’s inclusive ethos.

(The content of this article is sourced from a news agency and has not been edited by the Mavericknews30 team.)