Navi Mumbai: Shun Chinese products, urges Belapur-based commercial society

NAVI MUMBAI: A Belapur-based commercial society has decided to urge all its members to stop buying or using Chinese products, and instead encourage Made in India goods in order to uplift the economy and also send out a hard message to China over its recent activities at the border.
Chartered accountant, RK Mahapatra, who is the secretary of Hilton Centre Commercial Premises Coop Society at CBD Belapur, Sector 11, told TOI: "The latest incursion of the Chinese army at our border is condemnable. Also coronavirus, which originated in China, has devastated our economy, besides that of other nations. Hence, our managing committee recently decided to formally urge all the 134 offices and shops in our tower to avoid Chinese products."
Mahapatra further added: "Legally speaking, we are not going to penalize any of our members for using Chinese goods. However, our commercial society is trying to create an awareness that if India has to become strong again then each one of us must do our bit to make our economy strong. Ours is the first society in the city to shun Chinese products this way."
City activist BN Kumar commented: "The younger generation should start boycotting Chinese goods. During the festival season, we must not buy Made in China idols or gift items. The government talks lot about Aatma Nirbhar Bharat. They should encourage Indian manufacturing and facilitate startups by anyone at any age. The mall owners also must promote only Indian goods. Most mobile phones are made in China and the consumption is very high. Even Made in India mobile phones use Chinese kits and chips. Where is self reliance?"
Another activist Anarjit Chauhan said: "Since China is acting so aggressive against India these days, it is a good idea to stop using their goods and services. However, this is easier said than done. At the APMC wholesale market in Vashi, the traders import the Chinese dragon fruit and other types of Chinese food items regularly. These are also quickly sold to Indian consumers. Hence, the government of India must do something to hit out at China and make our economy robust."
The government also bought China made bullet proof jackets for the army, which is rather questionable and shocking, added Kumar.