Kashmiri vendors were assaulted by Lucknow Municipal Council employees, and their carts were overturned in an arbitrary action, as shown in videos that surfaced on social media.
The dry-fruit vendors were rounded up and placed in a police van.
The incident occurred within the Gomti Nagar Police station vicinity.
“A Kashmiri man asked for help, but the police slapped him, scattering his belongings,” said freelance journalist Sumit Kumar, who filmed the incident.
“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,” alleged Nasir Khuehami, national convenor of Jammu and Kashmir Students Association.
He said: “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 expressed dismay, stating, “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, talking about the incident, Lucknow Police in a post on X (Twitter), said that routine measures were taken during ‘an anti-encroachment drive’, especially as the bridge serves as a sensitive route for VIP movement.
