Lockdown: Himachal DGP warns against communal hatred

Shimla: Unmindful attack on nine Muslim migrant workers in Mandi, suicide by 37-year old Muslim youth facing "social discrimination" in Una district and several instances of hatred against Kashmiri labourers at some places in Shimla has left state government stunned, and even alarmed.

Amid coronavirus fight, the reports have started pouring in about minority community members being subjected to harassments and discrimination in the localities, markets and government hospitals –where Tablighi Jamaat persons were admitted for treatment.

On Friday, Director General of Police S R Mardi issued a stern warning to those indulging in breach of communal harmony to target a particular community, suspecting them as carriers of Coronavirus in Himachal Pradesh.

"It has come to our knowledge that communal harmony was not being observed.Instances of discrimination, based on religion, at public places like shops and hospitals have come to the notice of the police. This is not fair. We will take strict action in such cases," he warned.

At some places, the DGP also pointed out, the tenants were being forced to vacate the houses because they belong to a particular religion. It is also a serious matter that can attract legal action.

Several Kashmiri muslim labourers, locally called as "khans" are also stranded in Shimla and some rural areas –where they were engaged in daily jobs have alleged harassments by the locals. They have lost means of daily earning due to lockdown and remain totally idle.

" We have no money. Many of such are getting starved of food. Since, we are living in group of 100 to 129 at local Jama Masjid (Shimla), fears of getting infested also loom large. People suspect us as carriers of corona disease. We can't go back to Kashmir due to lockdown," alleged Adil, who is working as porter in Shimla for past 10 years.

He claims more than 100 "khans" want to go back to homes but Deputy Commissioner Shimla has refused to grant any permission.

DGP Mardi said "all SHOs have been told to provide proper security and look after welfare of Kashmiri labourers.They should be allowed to stay safe without any disturbance."