Srinagar: In yet another instance of discrimination and repression in Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir, a Kashmiri trader was prevented by Indian Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel from conducting business and promoting the traditional pheran garment on his own land in Srinagar.
According to Kashmir Media Service, the trader was stopped by CRPF personnel while displaying and promoting the pheran, a centuries-old traditional attire that symbolizes Kashmiri culture and identity. Locals said the incident reflects the increasing curbs imposed by Indian forces on Kashmiris’ economic activities and cultural expression, even on their ancestral land.
Eyewitnesses reported that the trader was asked to remove his display and halt his business without being given any lawful justification. Ironically, residents pointed out that non-Kashmiris and outsiders are allowed to freely carry out commercial and promotional activities in the same areas without facing similar restrictions, exposing the discriminatory policies enforced by the occupation authorities.
Political analysts and civil society members described the incident as part of a broader strategy to marginalize Kashmiris economically and erase their cultural identity. They said the pheran is not merely a piece of clothing but a powerful symbol of Kashmiri heritage, resilience and collective identity, and targeting it amounts to an assault on the region’s cultural roots.
According to Kashmir Media Service, the trader was stopped by CRPF personnel while displaying and promoting the pheran, a centuries-old traditional attire that symbolizes Kashmiri culture and identity. Locals said the incident reflects the increasing curbs imposed by Indian forces on Kashmiris’ economic activities and cultural expression, even on their ancestral land.
Eyewitnesses reported that the trader was asked to remove his display and halt his business without being given any lawful justification. Ironically, residents pointed out that non-Kashmiris and outsiders are allowed to freely carry out commercial and promotional activities in the same areas without facing similar restrictions, exposing the discriminatory policies enforced by the occupation authorities.
Political analysts and civil society members described the incident as part of a broader strategy to marginalize Kashmiris economically and erase their cultural identity. They said the pheran is not merely a piece of clothing but a powerful symbol of Kashmiri heritage, resilience and collective identity, and targeting it amounts to an assault on the region’s cultural roots.