Srinagar, Dec 25: Janata Dal United Incharge Migrant Cell and spokesperson Rakesh Handu on Thursday strongly condemned the reported harassment of Kashmiri youth engaged in selling shawls and traditional handicrafts in various parts of the country, describing the incidents as unconstitutional profiling and a serious threat to national unity.
In a statement issued to the press, Handu said it was deeply shameful that young Kashmiris earning an honest livelihood were being irresponsibly branded as anti India and subjected to intimidation and public harassment. He said such actions undermine the constitutional rights of citizens and erode trust in institutions meant to protect them.
“This is not policing; this is mob profiling masked as law enforcement. Targeting citizens on the basis of identity or region is a direct violation of the Constitution of India,” Handu said.
Expressing serious concern over what he described as inaction by local police in certain areas, the JDU leader said law enforcement agencies are duty bound to protect citizens and ensure their safety rather than allow harassment and humiliation in public spaces.
Handu appealed to Union Home Minister Amit Shah to intervene immediately and order strict action against those responsible for such acts. He stressed that there must be zero tolerance for harassment, profiling and intimidation of Kashmiri citizens anywhere in the country.
Warning of broader consequences, Handu said branding innocent Kashmiri youth as anti national without evidence could deepen alienation and damage the social fabric of the nation. He emphasised that Kashmiri youth are equal citizens of the country and should not be viewed with suspicion.
“Kashmiri youth are also citizens of India, not suspects. Their hands carry shawls, not hatred,” he added.