Mominpura merchants face losses during Ramzan shopping season

Mominpura, a vibrant market in Nagpur, is facing tough times during this Ramzan. Traditionally, this area is bustling with shoppers looking for items like kurta pyjamas, skull caps, and decorations for Eid. However, the recent curfew imposed after riots on March 17 has dampened the festive spirit. Despite a partial lifting of the curfew late on Saturday, which allowed businesses to operate between 7 pm and 10 pm, many sellers remain discouraged. The curfew has significantly affected sales, with estimates suggesting losses of around Rs5 crore daily for the vendors. Aslam Belawala, a garment shop owner, stated that he has lost about Rs3 lakh each day. He noted that customers from nearby towns are hesitant to shop in Mominpura due to security concerns. Javed Ansari, a local cloth merchant, highlighted that Mominpura is known for the largest Eid bazaar in Nagpur and Vidarbha. He emphasized that the area had no connection to the riots. The curfew has hurt both buyers and sellers, especially those dealing in perishable goods, who have suffered substantial losses. Every year, vendors from surrounding areas set up stalls, but this year many have delayed their plans, fearing the ongoing situation. Although some restrictions have been eased, the overall atmosphere remains cautious. Social worker Ateeque Qureshi acknowledged the police's decision to relax the curfew but pointed out that many sellers may never recover their losses. He emphasized the importance of resuming normal activities to uplift spirits and encourage community engagement during this festive period.