No headway in Kashmiri vendors’ conflict with locals in Bilaspur

A meeting held to resolve tension between Kashmiri vendors and local businessmen ended without a consensus at Ghumarwin police station in Bilaspur district today. Some local businessmen had objected to the sale of garments and woollen clothes by Kashmiri vendors, who visited door to door in villages. Some villagers had allegedly threatened them and warned them not to come to the villages to sell their goods. The Kashmiri vendors had reported the matter to the police and all stakeholders were called to the police station to resolve the issue. The SDM and the DSP of Ghumarwin attended the meeting.

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Meanwhile, PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti and Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah had urged Himachal Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu to intervene in the matter and provide a safe environment for Kashmiri shawl sellers. They had reportedly alleged that Kashmiris were being harassed, threatened and assaulted by right wing groups in Bilaspur district. Mufti posted on ‘X’ that despite proper documents, Kashmiri vendors were being barred from doing business and were being evicted.

Mehbooba alleged that at least three such incidents of alleged targeted violence had taken place in Himachal. She wrote on ‘X’ that “such a treatment of Kashmiris will alienate them further” and urged the Chief Minister to intervene.

Bilaspur SP Sandeep Dhawan said that the case involving Kashmiri vendors and local businessmen would be resolved at the earliest. He added that Ghumarwin SDM Gaurav Chaudhary had called all persons concerned for another meeting tomorrow. While the SDM said that both parties were called to the police station today and the matter would also be discussed at the meeting tomorrow. He added that every effort would be made to ensure the safety and security of everyone and maintain peace and harmony in society.

Bilaspur Deputy Commissioner Abid Hussain Sadiq said that he was aware of the matter and had asked the Ghumarwin SDM to look into the incident. He added that the SDM would hold another meeting to resolve the issue amicably.