SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (NC) on Monday strongly condemned the brutal thrashing of Kashmiri vendors at the Geeta Jayanti Fair in Kurukshetra, Haryana, allegedly carried out by a self-styled Hindutva vigilante group. The incident, which has sparked widespread outrage, highlights the growing concerns over communal intolerance and violence targeting minority communities.
In a statement, Imran Nabi Dar, the NC’s spokesperson, expressed outrage over the attack, demanding swift and decisive action against those involved. “This kind of violence and discrimination has no place in a civilized society and must be met with the full force of the law. We stand in solidarity with the victims and call for justice to be served,” he said, emphasising the need for concrete steps to prevent such incidents in the future.
Imran Dar further commented on the broader context of the attack, asserting that the violence against Muslims in the country has sadly become a new normal. “Our brothers from Kashmir are now facing brutal and continuous targeting by Hindutva-rightwing thugs. The situation in Haryana, under the BJP government, has reached a level of utter disgrace,” he stated. He also criticised Muslim BJP leaders, particularly those from Kashmir, urging them to either resign in protest or demand action against the perpetrators of such violence.
The incident occurred during the International Gita Mahotsav when a group of right-wing activists carried out a procession at Brahma Sarovar. A member of the procession allegedly asked visitors not to buy from minority community vendors and confronted a Kashmiri vendor, eventually throwing his merchandise onto the street. The situation escalated when another member of the group struck the vendor with a stick, voicing objections to minority community stalls being allotted at the religious event.
The vendor, shaken by the assault, sought help from visitors, some of whom intervened to oppose the attackers. He subsequently raised the matter with the police and the Kurukshetra Development Board (KDB), demanding action against the assailants.
The attack has drawn criticism from several quarters, including Ashok Sharma, a local social worker, who urged that the issue be raised with the KDB instead of targeting the stall owners. Meanwhile, a Vishwa Hindu Parishad leader suggested that the board refrain from allotting stalls to people from minority communities during religious events, claiming it could hurt the sentiments of the attendees.
In response, Upender Singhal, honorary secretary of the KDB, acknowledged the incident and attributed it to individuals with personal agendas. He assured that appropriate action would be taken. Kurukshetra’s Superintendent of Police, Varun Singla, confirmed that a case had been registered on Sunday, and the matter was under investigation.
While the attack has sparked anger and condemnation, there was also a silver lining to the disturbing event. Locals, reportedly from the Hindu community, intervened and helped the vendor, highlighting the values of coexistence and brotherhood that still thrive among ordinary citizens.
Altaf Bukhari, President of the Jammu and Kashmir Apni Party (JKAP), also condemned the assault and called for immediate legal action. He stressed the need to uphold the secular and democratic values of the nation. “Strict legal action is necessary to prevent such acts in the future and uphold the rule of law,” Bukhari said. He commended the intervention of locals who helped the vendor, emphasizing that communal harmony and peaceful coexistence are essential to preserving India’s pluralistic identity.
