Srinagar, Dec. 26 -- Political leaders in Jammu and Kashmir on Thursday expressed concern over the reports of assault on a Kashmiri trader in Uttarakhand, and urged the state administration to take legal action against the perpetrators. Lok Sabha MP from National Conference (NC), Ruhullah Mehdi, said coercing any citizen to prove patriotism through compelled speech violates constitutional freedoms. "Reports from Uttarakhand indicating that a Kashmiri trader was assaulted for refusing to chant a slogan on religious grounds are deeply troubling. "Coercing any citizen to prove patriotism through compelled speech violates constitutional freedoms and human dignity," Mehdi said in a post on X. The alleged incident came to light after a purported video of it was shared online. The Kashmiri vendor was reportedly seen being assaulted by a group of five men who abused and thrashed him for refusing to chant "Bharat Mata Ki Jai". However, HT could not independently verify the veracity of the video and the claims made. The Lok Sabha MP from Srinagar said national loyalty cannot be enforced through intimidation, nor can it replace accountability, governance and the rule of law. "We urge the Uttarakhand government to ensure strict legal action against those responsible and guarantee the safety and rights of Kashmiri traders across the state," the MP said. People's Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti urged the Uttarakhand Police chief to ensure a case is registered so that the perpetrators are held accountable. "Bilal Ahmad, a shawl seller, was brutally assaulted by right-wing goons in Kashipur, Uttarakhand. Despite approaching the Pratappur Goshala police station, no FIR has reportedly been registered so far."(I) Urge the DGP Uttarakhand to kindly intervene and ensure that an FIR is registered so that the perpetrators are held accountable, and such incidents are not repeated in the future," Mufti said on X. Meanwhile, jailed MP Engineer Rashid demanded strict action against the culprits. He also urged the state governments to ensure the safety, dignity and livelihood of Kashmiri traders working outside Jammu and Kashmir. Copies of his letters to CMs of Himachal and Uttarakhand, he added, have also been marked to the Union home secretary, seeking intervention to safeguard Kashmiris studying or earning their livelihood across the country....