Kashmiri shawl sellers in Himachal Pradesh’s Bilaspur district are reportedly facing harassment, assault, and threats from right-wing groups.
As per Kashmir News Trust, these traders, many of whom have been working in the region for decades, allege that they are being pressured to leave despite having proper verification and documentation.
Reports indicate that the landlords of these traders are also being coerced to evict them, adding to their insecurity.
This is the third such incident in the region, raising concerns about a pattern of targeted violence against Kashmiri traders.
The recurring incidents have sparked apprehension among the Kashmiri community and calls for intervention to ensure their safety.
The traders reportedly contribute significantly to the local economy and are considered an integral part of the social fabric in Himachal Pradesh.
However, the escalating hostility is threatening their livelihoods and creating a sense of alienation.
Peoples Democratic Party Chairperson Mehbooba Mufti, taking to microblogging site X, called upon Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu to ensure the safety of Kashmiri traders.
“This is the third such incident, highlighting a worrying pattern of targeted violence,” she wrote. “Despite proper documents, Kashmiri shawl sellers are being barred from doing business and evicted. This othering of Kashmiris will alienate them further.”
Mufti urged both state governments to act swiftly to ensure a safe and secure environment for the traders.