The Biz Reporter
Srinagar, Dec 16: The Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT), Kashmir Chapter, and the Batamaloo Traders Association (BTA) on Monday strongly condemned an incident involving Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, terming it deeply disturbing, insensitive and violative of constitutional values.
In a statement issued here, Peer Imtiyaz ul Hassan, General Secretary of CAIT (Kashmir Chapter) and President of the Batamaloo Traders Association, expressed outrage over visuals showing the Chief Minister allegedly pulling off the hijab of a newly recruited AYUSH doctor during an official appointment ceremony in Bihar.
He said the act amounted to a public humiliation of a young professional who had secured her position through merit and hard work. “This was not merely an inappropriate gesture but a grave violation of the dignity, privacy and fundamental rights of the woman concerned, which are guaranteed under the Constitution of India,” the statement said.
Hassan emphasised that the hijab is a matter of faith, identity and personal choice, and no individual, irrespective of authority or position, has any moral or legal right to interfere with it, especially in a public forum. He termed the incident a reflection of insensitivity towards women and a disregard for religious freedom, adding that such conduct from a constitutional authority sends a dangerous and regressive message to society.
“At a time when the nation speaks of women’s empowerment, inclusivity and mutual respect, such actions undermine democratic values and misuse public office,” he said.
The statement further noted that the incident has deeply hurt the sentiments of millions across the country and has raised serious concerns about respect for diversity and personal liberties.
Demanding accountability, CAIT Kashmir and BTA unequivocally called for a public and unconditional apology from Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. “Anything short of a sincere apology will further erode public trust and weaken the foundational democratic principles of dignity, equality and respect for all,” the statement added.
The traders’ bodies urged political leadership across the country to uphold constitutional morality and ensure that public conduct reflects sensitivity, restraint and respect for individual rights.
