SRINAGAR: Kashmiri vendors were allegedly assaulted by employees of the Lucknow Municipal Council, with their carts overturned in an arbitrary action, videos circulating on social media depicted.
The dry-fruit vendors were rounded up and placed in a police van within the Gomti Nagar Police Station vicinity.
“This is the 2nd Incident of this Month, 4th of this year. 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,” said Nasir Khuehami, national convenor of the Jammu and Kashmir Students Association.
Kashmiri Vendors slapped in Lucknow UP by MC employees who overturned their carts. The workers were rounded up & bundled in a UP police van. I request @CMOfficeUP for intervention & immediate cessation of mistreatment towards these Kashmiri laborers. @MehboobaMufti @OmarAbdullah pic.twitter.com/oGA78MYtEW
— Nasir Khuehami (ناصر کہویہامی) (@NasirKhuehami) December 17, 2023
He added, “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.”
Expressing dismay, Khuehami stated, “It is disheartening to witness such treatment towards these hardworking vendors who have been part of Lucknow’s community for a long period,” and urged authorities to take immediate action.
Meanwhile, addressing the incident, Lucknow Police, in a post on X, said that routine measures were taken during ‘an anti-encroachment drive’, particularly as the bridge serves as a sensitive route for VIP movement.
