In a remarkable display of solidarity, the Sikh community in Punjab’s Madewaal area, Ferozepur, came forward to support a Kashmiri shawl seller who was assaulted and robbed at gunpoint by unidentified thieves. The victim, Abdul Khaliq Ganai from Kralpora village in Kupwara, was targeted on February 5, losing his collection of handcrafted Kashmiri shawls, a mobile phone, and ₹32,000 in cash. Upon learning about the attack, local Sikhs took swift action, ensuring the arrest of the culprits and handing them over to the police. To help Ganai recover from his losses, they collected ₹60,000 as financial aid, reflecting their deep-rooted bond with the Kashmiri community.

Manjit Singh, a local Sikh member, emphasized that Kashmiris have always shown hospitality and support to Sikh visitors in the Valley, and it was now their duty to reciprocate. He highlighted the longstanding relationship between the two communities and stressed the importance of standing together during times of crisis. Unfortunately, such attacks on Kashmiri traders in Punjab are not new. Another shawl seller, Fareed Ahmad from Kupwara, was also brutally beaten and robbed in Kapurthala district, leaving him severely injured. These recurring incidents have raised concerns over the safety of Kashmiri traders operating in different parts of India.

To address these growing threats, a Kashmir-based welfare organization has announced the launch of a nationwide 24×7 toll-free helpline for Kashmiri shawl sellers. This initiative aims to provide a platform for victims to report grievances, harassment, and hate crimes. The helpline will work closely with state and central authorities to ensure timely intervention and effective solutions. As attacks on Kashmiri traders continue to surface, the initiative is expected to bring much-needed security and legal assistance to those facing discrimination and violence in different states.