Amid tensions at border, 'Boycott China' movement gains momentum in Guwahati

Guwahati: Amid escalating tensions at the Line of Actual Control (LAC) where Chinese troops killed at least 20 Indian jawans in a violent confrontation, the clamour for a ban in Chinese-made products has continued to rise in Guwahati, Assam. Today, Guwahati residents poured out onto the streets to join a protest, emblematic of the 'Boycott China' sentiment that has pervaded the national consciousness lately.

Several nationalist organizations have been joining the chorus for an outright ban in the usage of Chinese products in India. In Guwahati, members of these nationalist organizations took to the streets to denounce the Chinese President Xi Jinping. 

What is happening at the LAC, is unfortunate. The Chinese have betrayed India despite signing treaties, and 20 army jawans have been killed, and we are here to pay our condolence to these departed souls. Most importantly, we would like to appeal people from Assam and in fact, all of India, to remove Chinese products -- which have entered everyday use -- from our day to day lives", Ratna Singh, a members of the Bharat Suraksha Manch, a nationalist body, told The Sentinel Digital.

The protesters, who had gathered at the Zoo Road area to register their protest, denounced Chinese President Xi Jinping for the alleged atrocities at the border, while burning his posters. "Xi Jinping hai hai" slogans rented the air

At the same time, the former employees of the Hindustan Paper Corporation Limited (HPCL) mills in Assam have urged people to boycott paper products made in China and opt for Indian-made paper instead. "While China is engaged in intrusion and killing our brave soldiers, it is totally unjustified to import paper from China for protecting Chinese economy at the cost of Indian industries", said Manabendra Chakraborty, president of Cachar Project Workers' Union and of the Joint Action Committee of Recognised Union of both Nagaon and Cachar Paper Mills.

Meanwhile, an electronic shop named Next Electronics has taken a bold decision on Wednesday by announcing not to sell Chinese products in its showroom situated at B Borooah Road in Guwahati. Owner of Next Electronics Abhishek Soni said, "We have removed the Chinese products from our showroom such as Oppo, Vivo, TCL, Haier etc. I feel the business community has a social responsibility and everyone must come forward to stop selling Chinese brands. Being a citizen of India it is a proud feeling to stand up with the Indian Army. It is just a small initiative and all traders across India should take such a decision. We should sell and promote non-Chinese brands." Further, appealing to all citizens, he said, "Instead of writing statuses on Facebook, change your products. Next time when you buy, ensure you are choosing non-Chinese products."

It needs mention here that 20 Indian soldiers were killed by troops of China's People's Liberation Army (PLA) along the undefined Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Galwan Valley of eastern Ladakh. The Chinese Army is estimated to have suffered 35 casualties, including those seriously injured and killed, official sources quoting US Intelligence sources said.

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