Attacked in India, Kashmiri shawl sellers choose between safety, livelihood

Al JazeeraEN 7 min read 100% complete by Tauseef Ahmad,Sajid RainaFebruary 22, 2026 at 08:07 AM

AI Summary

long article 7 min

Kashmiri shawl sellers in India are facing increased hate attacks, forcing many to choose between their safety and livelihood. These traders, who travel across India selling shawls and handicrafts, have experienced a surge in harassment and violence in recent weeks. In response, some are returning to Kashmir, while others are creating WhatsApp groups to share information about dangerous areas and prioritize safety over business. One such attack involved a Kashmiri shawl seller being assaulted with an iron rod in Uttarakhand by a shopkeeper who expressed anti-Muslim sentiment. The attacks have prompted Kashmiri traders to strategize and adapt to the increasingly hostile environment.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Himachal Pradesh 30% Ponda 30% Danish 40% Hindus ×250% Hisar 50% Muslims ×250% Haryana 60% Uttarakhand ×270% Ayaz Ahmad ×380% Tabish Ahmad Ganie ×490% India ×690% Kashmir ×590%

Keywords

kashmiri shawl sellers 100% hate attacks 90% safety 80% livelihood 80% indian-administered kashmir 70% harassment 60% whatsapp group 60% violence 50% identity 40%