In Surjanpur village, Hamirpur district, two Kashmiri cloth traders were harassed by a woman who claimed to be the wife of the local sarpanch. The woman, seen in a viral video, threatened the men and demanded they either leave Himachal Pradesh or chant “Jai Shri Ram.”
She also instructed villagers behind the camera to boycott their business. “We are Hindus, and we have our own Hindu community selling the same things. Why would someone, especially Muslims, come from somewhere else and do business here?” she says in the video. “This is our India; you go to your Kashmir. We don’t need you here. I will request everyone not to purchase anything from you. Just leave from here,” she adds.
When one of the traders explained that they are also Indians, the woman insisted, “If you are Indians, then chant Jai Shri Ram.” The traders, however, refused, explaining that as Muslims, they could not chant a Hindu religious slogan. Undeterred, the woman reiterated her demand, telling them, “Either chant the slogan or leave the state.”
The traders, who had traveled to Himachal Pradesh as part of their business of selling Kashmiri shawls and dry fruits, were forced to leave the location amid the harassment. The woman also urged the cameraperson to continue filming.
This incident is part of a larger pattern of harassment faced by Kashmiri traders outside the Kashmir Valley. Such incidents raise concerns about the safety and wellbeing of these traders, who often travel across India to sustain their livelihoods. They play an important role in promoting Kashmiri culture through their goods, including the famous Pashmina shawls, saffron, and dry fruits.
While authorities in Hamirpur have yet to comment on the incident, this latest harassment adds to the growing list of challenges faced by the Kashmiri trading community, known for their resilience despite discrimination and hostility.
This story was originally published in theobserverpost.com.
