In an effort to hold accountable those responsible for harassing Kashmiri shawl sellers in Bilaspur, Himachal Pradesh, and threatening them to leave the state, Nasir Khuehami, the National Convenor of the Jammu and Kashmir Students Association, contacted Himachal Pradesh Cabinet Minister Rajesh Dharmani on Saturday, according to a press release.
The incident took place in the Ghumarwin area of Bilaspur district, where Dharmani is the local MLA. Khuehami informed the minister that certain groups had been harassing Kashmiri traders, who have been established in the region for over 30 years, and pressuring them to leave. Despite having proper documentation and verification, these shawl sellers are being obstructed from conducting their business, and their landlords are reportedly being threatened with eviction.
Khuehami urged Minister Dharmani to intervene swiftly, emphasizing the importance of protecting the livelihoods and safety of these traders.
Minister Dharmani responded by assuring Khuehami that the government was aware of the situation. “I have directed the district administration, including Deputy Commissioner Bilaspur and SP Sandeep Dhawal, to take immediate and strict action against those threatening Kashmiri shawl sellers. An FIR will be filed against the culprits,” Dharmani stated.
