We are accused of spreading Coronavirus, allege Muslims in Samba

Locals stopped buying milk from us: Vendors

Srinagar, April 13(KNB): Residents of Gujar basti Chakmahala of district Samba alleged that locals stop buying milk from the Gujar Muslims as rumors are being circulated that the Muslims in the area are the main cause for spreading the coronavirus by spitting in milk.

Gujar community of district Sambha allegedly said that after the outbreak of deadly Covid-19 some rumors were circulated in the whole district that Corona is spreading through Muslim community following which  people completely stopped buying milk from us, moreover we being humiliated.

One of the resident of Gujar basti,while talking to Kashmir News Bureau on phone said, “Our Gujar community belongs to below poverty line our livelihood depends on milk procurement, due to rumours being circulated that coronavirus  spread through the milk being sold by the Gujjars as they spit in to it, we are not able to move around to sell our milk, nor are we getting permission to sell the milk, our cattle are also hungry now.The deadly disease won’t kill us but the hunger will definitely, we are on the verge of starvation.”

He further said, “we also visited DC office to look in to our matter and also submitted application regarding the said rumour, but till no action has been taken nor we are getting any help from the government.”

Another resident said, “As rumours are being spread people not only stopped buying milk from us but we are continuously being humiliated not only by the people of other communities but by the  police officials too as we are not even allowed to pass through their vicinity to purchase medicines or any basic requirement.

He further said, “Moreover, after Government officials announced that ration as well as medicine will be delivered at the doorsteps, we are also deprived of that too as most of us people don’t have ration cards due to lack of awareness and those having are not getting the facility.”

KNB made several attempts to speak to Div Comm on the issue. However he didn’t respond to several calls made from this reporter. (KNB)