- By Imran Zafar
- Mon, 25 Nov 2024 04:37 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Two Kashmiri traders were allegedly subjected to communal harassment at a village in Himachal Pradesh’s Hamirpur district. The incident reportedly occurred in Surjanpur village, where the traders were selling their shawls, visiting door to door. The insult was instigated by a woman, who claimed herself to be the wife of a local Sarpanch, in a viral video on social media.
The video shows the woman threatening the men, urging villagers to boycott their business because they belong to the Muslim community. The woman also coerced them to chant slogans like ''Jai Shri Ram.''
She is heard saying in the video, ''Why should we buy from Kashmiris? Do they give us things for free? Even if they do, we shouldn’t buy anything from them.'' The woman further warned the traders not to return to Himachal Pradesh, claiming the region belongs to Hindus.
It is highly condemnable that a woman, wife of a Sarpanch, is exhibiting communal behavior toward two Kashmiri men who traveled to Himachal Pradesh for business purposes. Her communal actions, as seen in the video, where she threatens them to leave the state, instructs villagers… pic.twitter.com/IIw2dkZPGt
— Nasir Khuehami (ناصر کہویہامی) (@NasirKhuehami) November 25, 2024
One of the traders, visibly distressed, attempted to reason with her, asserting their identity as Indian citizens. However, the situation escalated and the duo, including an elderly man, was seen leaving the area after being pressured to chant religious slogans.
The two men are part of the larger community of Kashmiri traders who travel across India selling handicrafts to sustain their livelihoods. Their goods, including Pashmina shawls, saffron, dry fruits and intricately crafted items, are renowned for promoting Kashmiri culture and economy.
Authorities in Hamirpur have not yet issued an official statement regarding the incident, which has drawn widespread condemnation on social media.