3 min readKolkataOct 20, 2016 12:00 AM IST
First published on: Oct 20, 2016 at 12:00 AM IST
Ahead of Diwali, Viswa Hindu Parishad (VHP) activists initiated a campaign against the use of Chinese products, and will likely burn such products in Kolkata either at Shyambazar or Esplanade.
The movement began online through various social media platforms, and at Malda district on the ground, from where party workers plan to spread it across the state. Posters and placards have been put up at various places in Malda. The posters – in Bengali and English – printed by Bajrang Dal, the youth wing of VHP, say, ‘Boycott Chinese products’ and ‘Nation first’.
The boycott of Chinese products comes in wake of China’s support for Pakistan post the Uri terror attack which killed 19 soldiers.
“Pakistan is a nation of terrorists, and China has stood in support of it. China has blocked one of the tributaries of river Brahmaputra, and has vetoed the move against Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar at the UN. During this festive season, when Chinese goods are traded in plenty, we are calling everyone to boycott Chinese goods. There are various Indian alternatives which can be bought instead,” said Sourish Mukherjee, media in-charge, state VHP unit. He added that the movement has generated a lot of response, and subject to permission from the authorities, the symbolic burning of Chinese goods would be carried out.
Apart from the 20,000 cadres of VHP in Bengal, members of its wing organisations such as Bajrang Dal, Dharma Jagran Manch, Durga Bahini and Go Seva Dal will be present. As part of the movement, activists will approach shop owners and ask them to stop dealing in Chinese products.
“We will try and create awareness that if Indian goods are used regularly, in the long run it will create employment for Indians,” Mukherjee said.
The state BJP has also come out in support of the movement, with state BJP president Dilip Ghosh saying they intended to give an economic jolt to China.
“China should be taught a lesson. About 2.5 lakh people here deal in Chinese products. China uses the Rs 125-crore Indian market to sell their products, and in return they stand by the nation which fosters terror attacks on India. We have burnt Chinese products in Midnapore recently, and will take all possible steps to boycott Chinese products in India,” Ghosh said.
Markets in India have already been flooded with decorative items such as lights, lamps, gift items, toys and other household items. VHP activists are promoting earthen diyas instead of the Chinese counterparts.
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