In order to ensure that individuals harassing Kashmiri shawl sellers in Bilaspur Himachal Pradesh and threatening them to leave the state are held accountable, the Jammu and Kashmir Students Association’s National Convenor, Nasir Khuehami, on Saturday has spoken to the Himachal Pradesh Cabinet Minister Rajesh Dharmani.
The incident occurred in the Ghumarwin area of Bilaspur district, where Dharmani serves as the local MLA.
Khuehami informed the minister that certain groups have been harassing Kashmiri traders, who have been working in the region for over 30 years, and pressuring them to leave the state.
Despite having proper verification and documentation, these shawl sellers are being barred from conducting their business, and their landlords are reportedly being coerced to evict them.
Khuehami urged him to intervene urgently, stressing that the livelihood and safety of these traders must be safeguarded.
Responding to the concerns, Minister Dharmani assured Khuehami that the government has taken cognizance of the issue. “I have instructed the district administration, including Deputy Commissioner Bilaspur and SSP Rajneesh Singh, to take immediate and stringent action against those intimidating Kashmiri shawl sellers. FIR will be lodged against the perpetrators,” Dharmani said.
The minister further assured that he will personally meet with the Kashmiri traders to reassure them of their safety. “They need not worry; they are very much a part of this state and can carry out their business without fear,” he added.
Dharmani added that certain extremist elements, allegedly associated with the BJP and other right-wing groups, are using religion as a tool to harass migrant workers. “These fringe elements are trying to disturb the peaceful atmosphere and gain political mileage and visibility by targeting migrant traders,” he said.
He emphasized the potential repercussions of such incidents. “There are hundreds of Himachali workers employed in Punjab, Delhi, Jammu, and Kashmir. If any retaliatory actions were to occur there, who would be responsible? These fringe elements are endangering the harmony and mutual respect among states,” Dharmani warned.
The minister assured that the Himachal Pradesh government will not tolerate any form of intimidation or harassment. “We are committed to ensuring the safety and security of all communities. Immediate steps have been taken to protect the Kashmiri shawl sellers, and such divisive acts will be dealt with firmly,” he asserted.
