‘Break the Chain’ an initiative under Lockdown which has been imposed in the state from April 5, night 8 pm to break the chain of the virus has not been bearable to traders. On April 6, city traders in various market places across the city staged a silent protest. Traders protested in the city’s main Itwari market and Jagnath Road traders.
On April 7 city jewelers ‘Nagpur Sarafa Association’ continued the protest against the State Government decision of closing of jewellery shops till April 31. Jewellers wearing black clothes protested peacefully holding placard.
Rajesh Rokde, Secretary of Nagpur Sarafa Association and Director of GJC while talking to The Live Nagpur said, “The State Government has taken a very wrong decision of keeping the shops of jewelers closed. Essential and non essential depends on the need of a person. Need differs from person to person and even the Government could not discriminate or favor few shops to remain open and others not.â€
Kishore Dharashivkar, President added that a year has passed jewelers only now how they manage to run the family and establishment post lockdown, now again the decision of lockdown will ruin the trade. “We had just started our business and brought in new items looking at the festive and marriage season ahead. But again lock down is beyond our imagination,†Dharashivkar said.
Rajkumar Gupta, Vice-President added that first it was said that it will be lockdown for weekends, but finally, the order was issued for 25 days lockdown. With the Hindu New Year Gudi Padwa following on April 13, purchasing of gold starts. The State Government must reconsider its decision. The Association has also decided to make a protest in a peaceful manner following all Covid-19 protocol on April 8 also from 11 am to 11.30 pm. Jewellers participated in a large number in today’s protest.
