No progress in Kashmir vendors’ conflict with Bilaspur locals

A meeting organized to resolve tensions between Kashmiri vendors and local businessmen ended without a consensus at Ghumarwin police station in Bilaspur district today. Some local businessmen objected to the sale of clothes and woolen clothes by Kashmiri salesmen who visited the villages from door to door. Some villagers allegedly threatened them and warned them not to come to the villages to sell their goods. The Kashmiri vendors reported the matter to the police and all the concerned parties were called to the police station to resolve the matter. The meeting was attended by the SDM and DSP of Ghumarwin.

Meanwhile, PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti and Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah urged Himachal Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu to intervene in the matter and provide a safe environment for Kashmiri shawl sellers . They allegedly alleged that Kashmiris were being harassed, threatened and attacked 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 claimed that at least three such incidents of alleged targeted violence took place in Himachal. She wrote on “X” that “such treatment of Kashmiris will further alienate them” and urged the Chief Minister to intervene.

Bilaspur SP Sandeep Dhawan said the case involving the Kashmiri vendors and local businessmen would be solved at the earliest. He added that Ghumarwin SDM Gaurav Chaudhary has called all the concerned persons for another meeting tomorrow. While the SDM said that both parties were called to the police station today and the matter will be discussed in tomorrow’s meeting as well. He added that all efforts will be made to ensure the safety and security of all and to maintain peace and harmony in the society.

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