Kashmiri shawl sellers facing threats, harassment in Himachal Pradesh: Mehbooba

Srinagar, Dec 26: Following the viral videos on social media of Kashmiri Shawl sellers being ‘harassed, assaulted, and threatened’ in Himachal Pradesh by ‘right-wing groups’, former chief minister Jammu and Kashmir Mehbooba Mufti on Thursday expressed serious concern over their safety and wellbeing.
In a post on X, Mehbooba Mufti urged J&K chief minister Omar Abdullah and Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, chief minister, Himachal Pradesh, to intervene and ensure a safe environment for these traders.
“Kashmiri shawl sellers in Himachal Pradesh’s Bilaspur District are facing harassment, assault, and threats from right-wing groups. Despite proper documents, they’re being barred from doing business and evicted,” Mehbooba wrote on X.
Mehbooba said the incident was not the first one and that this new happening was the third such incident. “This is the third such incident, highlighting a worrying pattern of targeted violence,” Mehbooba added.
Mehbooba warned of the alienation, stating, “The othering of Kashmiris will alienate them further. I urge @OmarAbdullah and @SukhuSukhvinder to intervene and ensure a safe environment for these traders,” she stated in her post.
Notably, the issue has sparked widespread condemnation, with many on social media calling for stringent action against those responsible. However, there has been no immediate response from the Himachal Pradesh government regarding the allegations.
It is pertinent to mention a video had surfaced last month on social media, showing a lady warning two Kashmiri shawl sellers against trading their wares in the state. However, she later apologized, but the incident led to widespread outrage.
Meanwhile, following the fresh incident of alleged harassment and threats to Kashmiri Shawl sellers, many on social media have termed the plight of the Kashmiri shawl sellers as yet another example of the challenges faced by Kashmiris operating outside their home region. (KNO)