SRINAGAR: A day after a video showing the harassment of two Kashmiri shawl sellers in Surjanpur village of Himachal Pradesh’s Kangra district went viral, the Jammu and Kashmir Students Association (JKSA) on Tuesday said that the woman involved has formally apologized and admitted her mistake. In a statement, the National Convenor of the Association, Nasir Khuehami, said that the Himachal Pradesh government has taken serious note of the communal harassment faced by the two Kashmiri shawl sellers. The woman responsible has been detained and is being questioned by the authorities.

Khuehami further stated that the woman expressed regret for her actions and issued a formal apology. Although the police were prepared to file an FIR against her, the victims—the Kashmiri shawl sellers—made a commendable gesture of forgiveness by choosing to pardon her and requesting the police not to proceed with lodging the FIR.

“In her apology, she admitted, ‘I have committed a mistake, and I sincerely apologize for harassing them and making religious slurs,’” Khuehami said. He added that the JKSA promptly raised the issue with Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister’s Principal Media Advisor, Naresh Chauhan on Monday, Following their intervention, the state government acted swiftly, detaining the woman and initiating questioning regarding her communal behavior.

Khuehami lauded the victims for their maturity and magnanimity in forgiving the offender, emphasizing that such incidents should serve as lessons for fostering unity and mutual respect among communities. He also called on the authorities to continue their efforts to ensure communal harmony is maintained and that no individual is subjected to such behavior in the future.

Meanwhile, the Jammu and Kashmir Students Association expressed its gratitude to Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu and his Principal Media Advisor, Naresh Chauhan, for their prompt and decisive action in addressing the issue.

The National Spokesperson of the Association, Aadil Bhat, acknowledged their immediate response to the complaint, which ensured that justice was initiated swiftly and the incident was handled with the seriousness it deserved. The Association noted that such timely interventions help uphold communal harmony and reassure marginalized communities of their safety and dignity.

Bhat also emphasized the need for a broader conversation on tackling communal prejudice and urged authorities across states to adopt stringent measures against hate-based incidents.

Your voice can reach the world: At JK Monitor, we firmly believe that every well-researched idea has the power to inspire change beyond geographical boundaries. We are delighted to share an encouraging message from one of our esteemed contributors, Dr. Rakesh Verma (J&K Forest Services). “His article, ‘When Trees Become Rights-Bearing Citizens: A Lesson from Canada for India’s Ecological Future,’ published on JK Monitor, received appreciation from La Compagnie des Papillons Bleus, the French non-profit organisation that founded and promotes the Universal Declaration of Tree Rights.”.  Read the message here
In loving memory of Dr. Priya Ranjan: A mentor who treated me like family
A Profound Loss: JK Monitor Mourns the Passing of Founding Chairman Dr. Priya Ranjan

We at JK Monitor are profoundly saddened by the sudden demise of our Founding Chairman, Dr. Priya Ranjan.IN LOVING MEMORY Dr Priya Ranjan

A brilliant mind who studied at Netarhat Residential School and graduated in Electrical Engineering from IIT Kharagpur before earning his PhD from the University of Maryland, Dr. Ranjan chose to return to India and dedicate his life to teaching, research and social good.

His pioneering work in networked systems, AI, robotics and biomedical applications—especially computer-vision tools for early detection of cancer and heart disease—reflected his deep belief that advanced technology must serve humanity.

For more than 15 years at JK Monitor, he remained a loyal friend, mentor and collaborator, marked by rare humility, intellectual integrity and quiet generosity. His passing leaves a void that cannot be filled. Priya, you will be deeply missed. Your life continues to remind us that knowledge finds its highest purpose in the service of others.

— Team JK Monitor

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