Boycott call will deepen caste divide, say traders

ROHTAK: Traders in the region worry of a deeper caste divide after Jat leader Yashpal Malik on Sunday asked the protesting community members to stop purchasing goods from shops that don’t carry a banner in support of their agitation and seven demands in written from March 1.

In a state that was already reeling under social divide after it was rocked by unprecedented violence last year, the statement invited stern criticism from even the members of Jat community.

“By saying we will not purchase goods from shops not supporting our demands, we are making people stand against us. The government was already trying its best to create caste divide, but now even Jat leaders are following in its footsteps,” said Mahender Nandal, former head of the prominent Nandal Khap.

“There is fear among traders right now with the protests gaining momentum. Why will the victims of last year’s stir support this agitation? Announcing such things will have very large repercussions in long term,” said Pooran Chugh, a trader in Rohtak.

Many even demanded legal action against Malik for trying to vitiate the atmosphere “by harming social harmony”. “Everyone should raise voice against him. Coming from UP, he is leaving no stone unturned in dividing Haryana.

The khaps must come out and oppose him, and the government should take legal action against him,” said a local trader union leader. HTC