Kashmiri Dry Fruit Sellers Slapped in Lucknow: Nasir Khuehami Urges UP Chief Minister for Intervention

Srinagar: Student Leader and National Convenor of Jammu and Kashmir Students Association, Nasir Khuehami here on Sunday condemned the thrashing and slapping of Kashmiri dry fruit vendors in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. In a statement, Khuehami said that the Dry fruit vendors were assaulted by Municipal Committee employees who also overturned their carts.

He said that these workers were rounded up and bundled into a UP police van. The affected vendors claim unwarranted actions, including the confiscation of merchandise, leaving them in dire financial straits.

Expressing concern over the incident, Khuehami stated, “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.” 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 added 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 fifth 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 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,” Khuehami urgently sought the intervention of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister, Yogi Adityanath. He urged Chief Minister for Personal intervention and the immediate cessation of mistreatment towards these Kashmiri laborers.

He also demanded 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.