Dr. Siddhartha Ghosh

The recent attacks on Kashmiris travelling outside Jammu and Kashmir have once again raised questions about their safety and acceptance. Recently, a Delhi-to-Srinagar passenger bus was attacked near Nilokheri in Haryana, while another bus faced trouble near Ludhiana in Punjab. In the Haryana incident, passengers and staff were reportedly injured, the bus windows were damaged, and police registered an FIR and arrested two accused. In Punjab, police intervention helped the bus continue towards Jammu and Kashmir under escort. These actions were necessary, but the larger question remains: why should an ordinary Kashmiri travelling for work, education or business have to worry about his safety because of his regional identity?

This problem extends beyond passenger buses. Kashmiri students have faced hostility in educational institutions, shawl sellers have been threatened in markets, and labourers and small traders have encountered intimidation while earning their livelihood. After the Pahalgam terror attack in April 2025, reports of threats and assaults against Kashmiri students in different states raised serious concerns about collective blame. Those responsible for terrorism must face the law, but an innocent student or trader cannot be held accountable for somebody else’s actions. Too often, ordinary Kashmiris are labelled “Possibly Militant” simply because they belong to Kashmir, forcing them to prove their loyalty before they can live and work peacefully. Punjab’s intervention to improve security around educational institutions and the police action reported in Uttarakhand against threats to Kashmiri residents demonstrate the importance of timely administrative responses.

At the same time, Kashmir must confront another uncomfortable reality. Every incident involving a Kashmiri, the Army or the police can quickly become a political controversy within the Valley. Genuine allegations of abuse must be investigated, and no institution should be exempt from accountability. But an allegation must be distinguished from an established fact. Some political leaders and religious figures appear more interested in the reaction an incident can generate than in the outcome of the investigation. Their statements can deepen public anger before the facts are known, allowing a local dispute to become another argument about identity, religion and nationalism. The same standards of fairness must apply whether an incident occurs in Srinagar, Delhi, Jaipur or any other part of the country.

Kashmir’s younger generation has inherited a complicated history. Those who grew up after 1989 witnessed years of violence, curfews, hartals and uncertainty, experiences that shaped the attitudes of their families and communities. Changing those perceptions requires time, education and meaningful engagement. Today’s young Kashmiris increasingly seek employment, professional success, entrepreneurship, sports opportunities and the freedom to travel without suspicion. They want to participate in India’s social and economic life without being repeatedly asked to prove their loyalty. Their aspirations should be understood as an opportunity to build trust, not as a reason to reopen old divisions.

Economic opportunity is central to this change. A young Kashmiri who establishes a transport company, a tourism venture or a handicraft business creates employment and builds connections with people across the country. When such a person or his business is targeted, the damage extends beyond the immediate loss. It discourages other young people from investing, creates anxiety among Kashmiri families and weakens the confidence they need to build lasting economic relationships with rest of India which is as much of a motherland for any Kashmiri, than, it is for any other Indian.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp ChannelProtecting Kashmiri entrepreneurs especially outside of the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir is therefore not merely a law-and-order responsibility; it is also essential for encouraging investment, employment and greater interaction between Kashmir and the rest of India.

The responsibility for building this atmosphere cannot rest with one side alone. Governments outside Jammu and Kashmir must act firmly against assaults and intimidation, while Kashmiri political leaders and religious scholars must avoid turning every incident into an instrument of mobilisation. Social media has made this responsibility even greater. An unverified video or exaggerated claim can spread rapidly, leaving little room for investigation or balanced discussion. Public figures should verify information before making allegations and should acknowledge lawful action when authorities respond appropriately. Equally, authorities must not dismiss genuine complaints simply because an incident appears minor or began with an ordinary disagreement.

Kashmiris across India are often denied rented accommodation and even hotel rooms simply because they belong to Kashmir. With winter nearing, many Kashmiris from economically weaker sections of society, migrate with their families to different parts of the country for seasonal employment and livelihood. Usually, they have to face discrimination, humiliation, and various hardships. The only hope for Kashmiris is a change in the mindset of people. Kashmiris need a healing touch, acceptance and a sense of belonging. very individual cannot be judged by the actions of a few. Every society has its share of troublemakers, but that does not justify labelling or punishing an entire community for their actions. Kashmiris deserve the same dignity, respect and opportunities as every other Indian citizen.

The new generation is asking for something practical: safety, dignity, employment and acceptance. And in an ever more connected world, they exactly know the kind of safety, security, dignity, and acceptance any other person will get in India. To deny a person the same warm treatment just because they come from the Kashmir region is very unfortunate and should be discouraged. Kashmiris wants to be judged by their actions rather than by stereotypes associated with Kashmir. It expects its own leaders to raise genuine grievances responsibly and the governments of other states to protect its rights without discrimination. The real measure of progress will be whether a Kashmiri student can attend college peacefully, a trader can earn his livelihood without intimidation and a young entrepreneur can expand his business with confidence.

Kashmir’s future cannot be built by repeatedly returning to the same cycle of provocation, outrage and political exploitation. Nor can trust be established by ignoring genuine discrimination. Both require a willingness to acknowledge uncomfortable facts, apply the law fairly and allow the younger generation to move beyond the insecurities of the past. Kashmiris deserve protection when they are targeted, accountability when wrongdoing occurs and acceptance when they choose to build their future alongside the rest of India.

The views in the article are author's own, by Dr. Siddhartha Ghosh, Director, Red Lantern Analytica Foundation