National Conference president and former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Farooq Abdullah has issued a stark warning, stating that recent attacks on Kashmiri shawl sellers across India indicate an attempt by some to introduce a system reminiscent of Adolf Hitler's regime. He made these remarks on January 1, 2026, while addressing reporters at his party's headquarters, Nawa-i-Subh, in Srinagar.
Condemnation of a Disturbing Pattern
Abdullah was responding to a series of unsettling incidents targeting Kashmiri shawl vendors who travel to various states during the winter months to sell their handicrafts. Expressing dismay, he stated, "This is our fate. There are some people who have entirely different motives. They follow the path of Hitler and want to introduce Hitler's system here." However, he also expressed optimism that such extremism would not prevail, noting that "Hitler disappeared. The time will come when this extremism, too, will end."
Details of the Recent Assaults
The former chief minister's comments follow several reported attacks. In one prominent case from last week, a shawl vendor named Bilal Ganie from Kupwara was assaulted in Kashipur, Uttarakhand. A video posted on Instagram by a man named Ankur Singh showed Ganie being beaten and coerced to chant "Bharat Mata ki jai." The assailants were allegedly associated with a right-wing outfit.
Following the viral video, the Kashipur police took swift action. The Senior Superintendent of Police's office confirmed that the individuals seen in the footage had been identified and taken into custody. Authorities assured that a fair and thorough investigation was underway and promised strict legal action against the guilty.
Similar troubling incidents were reported from Himachal Pradesh and Haryana, where local police confirmed that First Information Reports (FIRs) had been registered in connection with the harassment of Kashmiri vendors.
Abdullah on Diplomacy and New Year Hopes
During the same interaction, Abdullah also commented on External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar's visit to Bangladesh to attend the funeral of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia. He welcomed the gesture, stating, "We are happy that our foreign minister has gone there and participated. Bangladesh is our old friend, and we have to strengthen this friendship."
Extending his New Year wishes, the National Conference leader expressed hope for strengthened "friendship with the neighbours" and an "end to our sufferings." His statements underscore a call for national harmony and the protection of vulnerable communities engaged in seasonal trade.
