Banihal, Dec 28: National Conference leader and MLA Banihal, Sajjad Shaheen, on Saturday expressed grave concern over incidents of harassment of Kashmiris reported from different parts of the country, terming them “inhuman and unacceptable.”
Speaking to reporters at Bankoot in Banihal after inaugurating an irrigation canal, Sajjad Shaheen said that the growing atmosphere of religious hatred in the country has led to repeated incidents targeting a marginalised community.
He said Kashmiris, including students, traders and workers, are being harassed in other states, which is deeply disturbing.
Shaheen said that Kashmiris are an integral part of the nation, yet their children and brothers are being subjected to intimidation outside Jammu and Kashmir. He urged the Government of India, particularly the Union Home Minister and Defence Minister, to take immediate steps to prevent such incidents and ensure the safety of Kashmiris across the country.
Shaheen also referred to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah’s condemnation of these incidents, noting that the Chief Minister has written to several state Chief Ministers urging them to ensure the protection of Kashmiri youth, students and traders residing in their states.
Appealing to Kashmiris living outside the Union Territory, Sajjad Shaheen advised them to exercise caution and avoid areas where such incidents have been frequently reported. He clarified that such incidents are not occurring across the entire country but are limited to a few states. However, he said these episodes have shaken the confidence of Kashmiris, making them feel unsafe in their own country.
He called upon the country’s political leadership to come forward and take concrete measures to safeguard the people of Jammu and Kashmir in other states, if they truly consider the region an integral part of India.