Systemic violence against Kashmiri artisans reflects India's colonial-era economic marginalization and militarized occupation
Original framing: “Attacked in India, Kashmiri shawl sellers choose between safety, livelihood” — Al Jazeera
The targeting of Kashmiri artisans echoes colonial-era policies that sought to control Kashmir's economy by suppressing local industries. British rule and subsequent Indian occupation have systematically undermined Kashmiri trade, from the 19th-century decline of the shawl industry to modern-day economic blockades. This history reveals a pattern of state-led economic violence that continues today.
The crisis facing Kashmiri shawl sellers is not just an economic issue but a manifestation of India's colonial-era policies of cultural and economic suppression.
The attacks on artisans are part of a broader strategy to break Kashmiri resistance by dismantling traditional livelihoods, mirroring historical patterns seen in other occupied regions. The resilience of weavers, who adapt through digital platforms and solidarity networks, reflects a long tradition of cultural resistance. However, without systemic change—such as international trade protections, policy advocacy, and grassroots economic cooperatives—the shawl industry faces extinction. The solution lies in recognizing this as a struggle for cultural sovereignty, not just economic survival, and aligning global solidarity with Kashmiri-led initiatives.