Abusive apartheid: ‘Kashmiris not allowed’ Tangmarg Showroom Owner Bars Locals’ Entry; Business Community Aghast Srinagar, June 13: Next time you happen to visit the famous picnic spot of Tangmarg on Srinagar-Gulmarg road, beware of revealing your identity as a showroom in the area has barred entry of locals in its premises saying audaciously ‘Kashmiris not allowed’. Two medicos, who after spending some time at the restaurant situated at Tangmarg-Magam road on Thursday, were astonished to learn that Kashmiris are not allowed to enter the showroom located on the second floor of the building. “As we entered the showroom for shopping, we were snubbed by the salespersons there and directed to leave,” the baffled medicos told Greater Kashmir. “On enquiring why we should leave, we were told that Kashmiris are not allowed entry in the showroom,” said the medicos. “I have never felt such humiliation. It is a disgrace that in our own land, we are not allowed to enter any place. The irony is that when we met the lady owner of the showroom to seek reasons for barring Kashmiris’ entry in the showroom, she behaved in a very rude manner and told us that it is her discretion,” the medicos said. Among the two medicos one is a non- resident Kashmiri working in Middle East, while another is a leading surgeon at SKIMS. “I have travelled across the globe, but I have never come across any place where locals are barred entry into any place. It has hurt my honor, being a respectable person I don’t expect such treatment in my own place. It is ridiculous and highly deplorable,” the medico working in middle-east told Greater Kashmir. The medicos said they have lodged a complaint with the Director Tourism and will file a case against the showroom in State Human Rights Commission and the State High Court. When contacted, Superintendent of Police, Budgam, Irshad Ahmad said: “We have conducted a preliminary investigation which has brought to fore that showroom has barred entry of Kashmiris. Although the area where the showroom is situated comes under the jurisdiction of police district Baramulla, but we have taken cognizance of the matter and are working with Baramulla police on the issue,” SP said. Meanwhile, the business fraternity in Kashmir has taken serious note of the “disgusting behavior of the showroom owner.” President, Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI), Abdul Hamid Punjabi said: “We are Kashmiris and land, environment belongs to us, if somebody is barring entry to locals, I think such people should be told to wind up their operations in our land. We cannot tolerate humiliation to our own people and strict action should be taken against any such person who doesn’t allow entry to Kashmiris.” Chairman, Kashmir Economic Alliance, Muhammad Yaseen Khan warned owner of the showroom. “If you don’t allow Kashmiris, may be we won’t allow you to run the place. It is disrespect for all of us, we will act against such people and take action against them; otherwise it will create precedence where Kashmiris won’t be allowed entry to places. But we won’t let it happen.” Former President, Federation Chamber of Industry Kashmir (FCIK), Shakeel Qalander said: “One of the doctors with whom this incident has happened talked to me and I am extremely shocked by such disgraceful behavior of the showroom owner. It is totally unacceptable from any business venture. The owner of the place must keep in mind that during last two decades of turmoil it was Kashmiri consumers who helped the business fraternity to sustain and in fact business community is indebted to Kashmiri consumers who have been supportive and helpful during the turbulence when nobody visited Kashmir. It is racial discrimination and action should be taken against such people. I think business community, tourism traders should probe these allegations and action should be taken so that it acts as deterrent for others,” he said and called for social boycott of the showroom owner. Noted Kashmiri businessman, Manzoor Ahmad Wangoo said: “This incident has shocked the whole business community here. It is mere arrogance on part of the owner. We are Muslims and our religion teaches us the path of equality not only within the community but with the entire humanity and it is very disgraceful on part of the owner of the showroom.” Lastupdate on : Thu, 13 Jun 2013
Posted on: Fri, 14 Jun 2013 03:25:47 +0000
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