The Awami Ittehad Party (AIP) on Tuesday strongly condemned the reported incidents of harassment and intimidation of Kashmiri residents and students in parts of Himachal Pradesh. The party said such behaviour was unacceptable and demanded immediate intervention from the Himachal authorities to ensure the safety and dignity of all Kashmiris living or studying in the state.
In a statement, an AIP spokesperson said the party had received distressing accounts from several Kashmiri individuals who complained of being targeted, questioned unnecessarily, or subjected to discriminatory treatment. The spokesperson said these incidents had caused fear among Kashmiri students and workers, many of whom have been contributing responsibly to local communities.
The AIP termed the alleged harassment as a serious violation of basic rights and urged the Himachal Pradesh government to take strict action against anyone involved in such misconduct. The party also called upon local law enforcement agencies to maintain vigilance, prevent communalised behaviour, and reassure Kashmiri residents of their full protection under the law.
“Kashmiris have every right to live, work, and study anywhere in the country without fear,” the statement said. “No one should be made to feel unsafe or singled out on the basis of identity. We expect the administration in Himachal to uphold constitutional values and guarantee safety to all citizens.”
The AIP also appealed to civil society members, student bodies, and social organisations in Himachal Pradesh to support those affected and help maintain a climate of harmony. The party stressed that such incidents, if left unchecked, could strain relations and impact the well-being of Kashmiri students pursuing education outside the Union Territory.
The party urged both state governments to remain in communication and ensure immediate redressal of grievances. It also encouraged affected individuals to come forward and report any further incidents so that appropriate steps can be taken.
