In Mussoorie, Uttarakhand, two Kashmiri shawl sellers were reportedly assaulted by members of the Bajrang Dal, a Hindu right-wing group. The attack is part of a broader pattern of harassment faced by around 16 other Kashmiri traders, mainly from the Kupwara district, who have been threatened, harassed, and forcibly evicted from their rented accommodations.
The traders, who have been selling shawls in Mussoorie for years, were an integral part of the local economy, contributing to the community’s growth while living peacefully among the residents. Despite their long-standing presence in the area, the situation took a violent turn when the traders became victims of not only physical assault but also intimidation from members of the right-wing group.
Reports suggest that, rather than receiving assistance or protection from the authorities, these traders were instructed by the Mussoorie Police to vacate the area and leave the state immediately. This directive left them in a helpless position, abandoning their businesses and livelihoods in the face of growing hostility.
One of the traders shared the heartbreaking reality of the situationa and said,”All our goods, worth at least ₹30 lakh, are still lying there. We had no choice but to flee back to Kashmir, leaving everything behind.”
