SRINAGAR, Dec 26: The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has firmly condemned the assault on a Kashmiri seasonal shawl seller in Uttarakhand, emphasizing that such attacks will not be tolerated under any circumstances. The ministry highlighted that Kashmiri traders are equal Indian citizens, constitutionally entitled to conduct business anywhere in the country.
The incident occurred on December 22, 2025, when Bilal Ahmad Ganie (28), a shawl seller from Kupwara, Kashmir, was attacked while carrying out door-to-door sales in the Kashipur area of Udham Singh Nagar district. Ganie, who has been trading in Uttarakhand for over eight winters, was subjected to physical assault, verbal abuse, death threats, and intimidation. Reports indicate that the primary accused, Ankur Singh, a local Bajrang Dal leader, allegedly led a group of five men who coerced Ganie into chanting nationalist slogans during the attack.
Initial attempts at an informal settlement through a “mafinama” (apology letter) delayed the registration of a formal FIR. However, after a video of the assault went viral, the MHA intervened, issuing directives to the Uttarakhand administration for strict enforcement of the law. Following this, the state’s Director General of Police and Governor prioritized the case, prompting a swift police operation that has so far led to the arrest of three accused, with further arrests expected.
An FIR (No. 517/2025) has been registered under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, covering criminal intimidation, assault, hurt, threat to life, coercion, and objectionable acts. Officials emphasized that no external pressure or settlement attempts will influence the prosecution and that the investigation will continue on merit to identify all responsible parties.
A senior police official confirmed that the case is being investigated in a mission-mode approach, ensuring transparent and expedited justice for the victim.