Delhi: Traders protest, call for boycott of Chinese goods

NEW DELHI: Condemning the attack on Indian soldiers by Chinese troops in eastern Ladakh’s Galwan valley, the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) on Wednesday called for boycott of Chinese goods.
“We have taken a firm pledge to boycott Chinese products and urged the government to take steps, such as cancelling of Chinese contracts and making rules for withdrawing investment by Chinese companies into Indian start-ups and corporations, to give a strong befitting response to China for their unethical and barbaric actions against the Indian soldiers,” said CAIT secretary general Praveen Khandelwal.
“We request all to take pledge to reduce Chinese imports. Our members have decided to support the movement,” said BC Bhartia, national president of CAIT.
“In the last few months, Chinese companies have been making firm inroads into various government contracts by bidding at very low rates. The government must favour Indian companies even if there is a marginal difference in cost,” added Bhartia.
CAIT also made a humble appeal to all Indian celebrities to stop endorsing Chinese brands.
On Wednesday, activists from different groups gathered outside the Chinese embassy in Chanakyapuri to protest against the attack. Police said that 20 Youth Congress activists were arrested, while 22 protesting former Armymen were removed from the area.
“In the morning, a group of former servicemen under the banner of Swadeshi Jagran Manch reached the embassy and tried to stage a protest, but were removed by a police team that was posted outside. Later, the Youth Congress activists gathered near the embassy despite the prohibitory orders in place. They were arrested for violating government instructions,” said a police source.