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Dalits denied haircuts in Uttar Pradesh’s Moradabad

Dalits in Uttar Pradesh’s Moradabad have accused the Salmani community among Muslims, also known as ‘Hajjam’, of denying to give Dalits a haircut or a shave, they have also complained to officials

Representative Image (social media)
Representative Image (social media) 

Dalits in Bhojpur in Uttar Pradesh's Moradabad district have complained to officials, saying that the Salmani community among Muslims, earlier known as 'Hajjam', refuses to cut the hair of Dalits or give them a shave.

The Dalits living in Peepalsana village have handed over a letter to SSP Moradabad saying that the Salmani community continues to treat them as untouchables.

Published: 13 Jul 2019, 4:28 PM IST

"This has been going on for decades but now we have decided to raise our voice against this practice which amounts to promoting untouchability," said Rakesh Kumar, a Dalit from the village.

Rakesh said his father and his forefathers had to travel to Bhojpur or the city for a haircut because "the Salmani community would not touch us".

Published: 13 Jul 2019, 4:28 PM IST

"Times have changed and we are going to raise our voice against this," he added.

Meanwhile, the Salmani community kept their shops closed on Friday in protest against the complaint to the SSP.

Published: 13 Jul 2019, 4:28 PM IST

Moradabad Senior Superintendent of Police Amit Pathak said that he had received the complaint and had ordered an investigation into the matter.

"We will take strict action if the allegations are found to be correct," he said.

Published: 13 Jul 2019, 4:28 PM IST

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Published: 13 Jul 2019, 4:28 PM IST