Bilaspur: Dozens of Kashmiri shawl traders working in Himachal Pradesh have alleged harassment, intimidation and physical assault by right-wing groups, saying they are being forced to stop their business and leave the state despite decades of lawful trade.
According to the traders, the latest incident occurred on Monday in the Ghumarwin area of Bilaspur district, where several Kashmiri shawl sellers assembled to narrate their ordeal. They alleged they were abused, assaulted and forced to chant religious and nationalist slogans. Some traders claimed their mobile phones were smashed when they attempted to record the incidents.
The traders said they have been operating in Himachal Pradesh for 25 to 30 years with proper verification and valid documents, and have maintained a clean record. Many of them are sole earners supporting families back in Kashmir.
They alleged that right-wing groups have threatened them with dire consequences, prevented them from selling shawls, vandalised their belongings and pressured landlords to evict them. Several traders said they were explicitly told to leave Himachal Pradesh or face further attacks.
According to the traders, this is the 17th such incident involving Kashmiri traders reported in Himachal Pradesh this year. They claimed that despite repeated incidents, no concrete action has been taken by authorities so far, contributing to a growing sense of fear and insecurity.
The traders said they have contributed significantly to the local economy over the decades and have become part of the social fabric in areas where they operate. However, they said the recent pattern of intimidation reflects targeted harassment against Kashmiris and threatens livelihoods built over generations.
The Jammu and Kashmir Students Association has appealed to the Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi and Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu to intervene immediately and ensure their safety. The traders also urged the state government to direct authorities to register cases against those involved under relevant legal provisions.
An appeal was also made to Home Minister of India Amit Shah to ensure prompt identification and arrest of those responsible, and to put an end to what they described as a growing atmosphere of terror against Kashmiri traders.
