'We are too scared to go back': Kashmiris in India face violence after deadly attack

In the region of Kashmir, which is administered by India, there has been a troubling rise in violence and fear following a recent attack that left many residents feeling unsafe. Shabir Ahmad Dar, a long-time seller of pashmina shawls, has been in the business for over two decades. These shawls, known for their intricate designs and lightweight fabric, are not just products for Dar; they represent his heritage and identity as a Kashmiri. However, after a violent incident last week, Dar and another shawl seller were attacked in Mussoorie, a popular hill station in Uttarakhand. The attackers, members of a right-wing group, were reportedly enraged by the events in Kashmir and blamed Dar and his friend for the violence. Dar recounted the harrowing experience, stating, 'They blamed us for the attack, told us to leave town and never show our faces again. ' The assault was captured on video, showing the men being verbally abused and physically attacked as their stall was ransacked. Dar expressed his fear, saying, 'But we are too scared to go back. ' Following the incident, police arrested the assailants but released them shortly after, which only added to the sense of injustice felt by Dar and other Kashmiri vendors. Many of them, who had made Mussoorie their home for years, have now decided to leave, fearing for their safety. The situation in Kashmir has become increasingly tense, with additional security forces deployed in response to the attack. The violence has not only affected vendors like Dar but has also led to harassment of Kashmiri students and residents in various Indian cities. Reports have emerged of students being bullied and threatened, with one nursing student, Ummat Shabir, sharing her experience of being called a 'terrorist' by people in her neighborhood. She and her friends felt compelled to return to Kashmir after facing hostility. 'We had to go,' she said, highlighting the fear that has permeated their lives. As the search for those responsible for the attack continues, security forces have detained numerous individuals, closed off tourist areas, and increased military presence in the region. This crackdown has raised concerns among civilians, many of whom feel that they are being collectively punished for the actions of a few. The Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir has stated that while those guilty of violence must be held accountable, innocent people should not suffer as a result. However, many Kashmiris feel that they are constantly viewed with suspicion, even when they have done nothing wrong. The recent attack in Pahalgam, which targeted civilians, has sparked widespread outrage across India, with calls for strict action against the perpetrators. Yet, the backlash against Kashmiris has been severe, with many feeling that they are being unfairly targeted. Shafi Subhan, another shawl seller, expressed his dismay at the change in atmosphere, stating that he had never experienced such hostility in his two decades of working in Mussoorie. He recalled how, in the past, customers were always kind and appreciative of their products. 'People were always kind to us, they wore our garments with so much joy,' he reminisced. But the recent attack has shattered that sense of safety and community. Back in Kashmir, the situation remains fragile. The region has a long history of conflict, with both India and Pakistan claiming it as their own. For many Kashmiris, the ongoing tensions between the two nations create an environment of fear and uncertainty. They often find themselves caught in the crossfire, facing harassment and violence whenever relations between India and Pakistan deteriorate. The recent violence has led to the destruction of homes belonging to families of suspected militants, further exacerbating the sense of fear among the local population. Mohammad Shafi Dar, a daily wage worker, shared his heartbreaking story of losing his home due to police actions. He is now living in the open with his family, struggling to survive. 'We lost everything,' he lamented, highlighting the dire situation many Kashmiris face. The emotional toll of the violence is immense, as families are torn apart and lives are disrupted. The community is left grappling with the consequences of actions taken in the name of security, often at the expense of innocent lives. As Kashmiris continue to protest against the violence and demand justice, the need for understanding and compassion becomes increasingly urgent. The cycle of fear and retaliation must be broken to pave the way for a more peaceful future.