Harassment, assault, and threats against Kashmiri shawl sellers in Himachal Pradesh continue unabated, the Jammu and Kashmir Students Association (JKSA) said on Monday, December 29, 2025. JKSA head Nasir Khuehami revealed that right-wing groups in the Ghumarwin area of Bilaspur district have targeted these sellers, many of whom have worked there for 25-30 years. "This is the 17th such incident that occurred in Himachal Pradesh this year," he stated. The shawl sellers are being pressured to leave the state, unable to sell their goods while facing vandalism and even having their mobile phones smashed when they tried to record the attacks. "They are not allowed to sell their shawls, their belongings have been vandalised, and even their mobile phones were smashed," said Khuehami. The JKSA appealed to Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi and Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu to intervene immediately. "This atmosphere of hatred and threats has the potential to destroy livelihoods built over generations," Khuehami warned. Despite having valid documents and proper verification, these sellers remain targets. JKSA also urged Union Home Minister to take strict action against the fringe right-wing groups involved. Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee president Tariq Hamid Karra confirmed that he spoke to the Himachal Chief Minister, who assured strict measures. Political parties like National Conference, Peoples Democratic Party, and J&K Peoples Conference have voiced concern over these attacks. The All India Professionals’ Congress (AIPC), Jammu and Kashmir Chapter, condemned the harassment. AIPC head Sanjay Sapru said, "Targeting people because of their Kashmiri identity goes against the idea of India." He urged state and Union governments to ensure the safety of Kashmiris living outside the union territory.