Harassment, intimidation of Kashmiri shawl sellers by right wing groups in Himachal Pradesh continue unabated
Harassment, intimidation of Kashmiri shawl sellers by right wing groups in Himachal Pradesh continue unabated
Dehradun, Dec 29
While, the Uttarakhand BJP government which had embarked on an anti-Muslim rhetoric since 2017 through relentless campaigns against perceived ‘Land Jehad’, ‘Love Jehad’, ‘Mazar Jehad’, ‘Thook Jehad and even ‘Nakal Jehad’, was prompt in arresting it’s own right wing Bajrang Dal elements who beat up a Kashmiri shawl seller forcing him to chant ‘Bharata mata ki Jai’ slogans in Kashipur town of Kumoan region, but despite having a Congress government in neighbouring Hiamachal Pradesh and getting directions from Leader of Opposition in Parliament Rahul Gandhi to act, the state government has yet to take decisive action against RSS/BJP workers who are harassing, threatening and beating Kashmiri shawl sellers in the state.
The dozens of Kashmiri shawl sellers, who have been working in Himachal Pradesh for over 25- 30 years, are now being harassed, assaulted, and threatened to leave the state in the Ghumarwin area of Bilaspur district by right-wing groups. The latest incident in Bilaspur was the 17th such incident which occurred in Himachal Pradesh this year.
The Kashmiri shawl sellers said that they were threatened and told to leave the state, not allowed to sell their shawls, their belongings vandalised, and even their mobile phones were smashed when they tried to record these incidents.
Ironically, despite having proper verification and valid documents, they are being prevented from carrying out their business, and their landlords are being pressured to evict them.
These shawl sellers have contributed immensely to the local economy and have become an integral part of the social fabric over the decades. Yet today, they are facing intimidation, insecurity, and fear. This reflects a dangerous and disturbing pattern of targeting Kashmiri traders. Targeted harassment and violence against Kashmiris show no signs of ending.
Nasir Kuehami Convenor of J&K Students Association who took up the case with Rahul Gandhi and Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhwinder Sukkhu said that it was deeply saddening that some people want Kashmir, but not Kashmiris.
“Nothing will damage the idea of India in Kashmir more than such incidents. We urge the Leader of Opposition, @RahulGandhi; and the Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh @SukhuSukhvinder, to intervene immediately. This atmosphere of hatred and threats has the potential to destroy livelihoods built over generations. We further urge the Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister to take immediate and decisive action by directing the authorities to register cases against the fringe and right-wing elements involved under the relevant provisions of law. Strict action will send a strong message that communal bigotry has no place in a progressive and inclusive society,” Nasir said..
He further appealed to the Home Minister @AmitShah, to put an end to this growing reign of terror against Kashmiri traders and ensure the prompt identification and arrest of those responsible, so that a clear deterrent is set. The rule of law must prevail, and the safety, dignity, and right to livelihood of Kashmiri shawl sellers must be protected without delay, he added.
