Kashmiri Dry Fruit Sellers face Harassment in Lucknow: J&K Students Association Urges UP CM for intervention

Srinagar: In a distressing turn of events, Kashmiri dry fruit sellers in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, reported instances of harassment and forced removal by the Municipal Corporation, allegedly aided by the local police, on Saturday. The affected vendors claim unwarranted actions, including confiscation of merchandise, leaving them in dire financial straits.

Expressing concern over the situation, the National Convenor of J&K Students Association, Nasir Khuehami, said, “It is disheartening to witness our fellow countrymen being treated in such a manner. These individuals, supporting their families during vacations, deserve respect and fair treatment.”

Quoting victims, Khuehami said that municipal authorities have been seizing dry fruits daily, arbitrarily loading them onto vehicles, and returning only a fraction of the goods. This recurring act has led to substantial financial losses for the sellers, who are already grappling with the challenges of earning a livelihood away from home.

Khuehami said that, these vendors have contributed to the city’s economy by selling walnuts, almonds, and other dry fruits for the past six years. Unfortunately, this is the fourth instance of facing unnecessary harassment. Around 100 Kashmiri vendors, here for their livelihoods and not involved in any anti-national or untoward activities, have been subjected to unwarranted actions. Their personal belongings and materials have been confiscated and loaded onto Municipal trucks, with no indication of their return. It is disheartening to witness such treatment towards hardworking vendors who have been part of Lucknow’s community for a long period, he added.

The National General Secretary of J&K Students Association, Ummar Jamal, emphasized, “This unjust treatment infringes upon the rights of these Kashmiri sellers and sends a distressing message about the hospitality extended to individuals from different regions of our country. We call for immediate intervention to rectify this situation.”

The aggrieved sellers claim that despite their inquiries, they have not been provided with any reasons for these actions. The situation escalated further today, with multiple visits by authorities resulting in the harassment and detention of some sellers.

In response to these incidents, the J&K Students Association National convenor, Nasir Khuehami, has urgently sought the intervention of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister, Mr. Yogi Adityanath. He has urged the authorities to release those detained, along with their confiscated dry fruits, and appeals to the UP administration to ensure the unimpeded sale of dry fruits by Kashmiri vendors. He urged intervention and immediate cessation of mistreatment towards these Kashmiri laborers.

The association demands compensation for the financial losses incurred by the Kashmiri sellers due to the actions of the Lucknow Municipal Corporation. The plea is for a fair and just resolution to uphold the principles of inclusivity and equal treatment for all citizens.

Meanwhile, Khuehami has taken up Matter of mistreatment of Kashmiri Vendors with the Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister’s Advisor Awanish Awasthi and urged him to take cognizance of this gory incident and ensure that they feel safe and secure. Association remains hopeful that the Uttar Pradesh government will take swift action. The safety and well-being of Kashmiri students are of Paramount importance.