Vendors suffer 'loss of crores' as Eid celebrations at Ajmer Dargah get affected after Khadims slogans
"A loss of at least Rs 50 crores is estimated to be witnessed. Forget about private vehicles, even buses are coming here empty on Eid" a vendor added.
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Ajmer, July 11: Since the involvement of khadims in raising provocative slogans against former BJP spokesperson Nupur Sharma, the once busy lanes of Ajmer Sharif Dargah saw less crowd on the auspicious occasion of Eid-Al-Adha or Bakrid.
The controversy heated up when a cleric of Ajmer dargah on camera had allegedly offered his house to anyone who beheads now-suspended BJP spokesperson Nupur Sharma for her controversial remark against Prophet Mohammad. He was later arrested and was produced in a local court, which sent him to two-day police custody on Wednesday.
Local businesses suffered amidst this row. A report stated that hotels have had booking cancellations, while restaurants and transportation companies have only received 10% of their business.
Commenting on contentious statements, Haji Syed Salman Chishti, Gaddi Nashin-Dargah Ajmer Sharif & Chairman-Chishty Foundation said, “To hear such slogans which aren’t attached to Dargah Ajmer Sharif…we denounce and boycott them."
Chishti said, “We completely denounce the slogans which are anti-Islamic and anti-humanity. They are the real culprits who are bringing these slogans of violence, death and destruction. Such slogans and call for violence are un-Islamic, anti-Islamic, anti-humanity & anti-society. The authority should take note of such individuals and exemplary punishment should be given to them. This is an issue of radical ideology which has been creeping up."
“Earlier our sales were much higher than they are right now. All salesman here are facing recession of a kind. People are not coming out as they are scared," Dinesh Kumar Soni, a local vendor said.
“All shops and vendors are sitting idle. It is these statements that have triggered this. A loss of at least Rs 50 crores is estimated to be witnessed. Forget about private vehicles, even buses are coming here empty," a vendor added.
The controversy heated up when a cleric of Ajmer dargah on camera had allegedly offered his house to anyone who beheads now-suspended BJP spokesperson Nupur Sharma for her controversial remark against Prophet Mohammad. He was later arrested and was produced in a local court, which sent him to two-day police custody on Wednesday.
Local businesses suffered amidst this row. A report stated that hotels have had booking cancellations, while restaurants and transportation companies have only received 10% of their business.
“In Ajmer, Friday means a full house. Today, however, was a low-key affair. The city’s economy is driven by 15,000-20,000 devotees who visit on a daily basis," a khadim said.
Dargah Bazaar, Delhi Gate, Diggi Bazaar, and Khadim Mohalla, Kammani Gate, Ander Kote, and Lakhan Kotri hotels are losing money on a daily basis as devotees skip visits. Almost every household in these areas is supported directly by devotees.
Commenting on contentious statements, Haji Syed Salman Chishti, Gaddi Nashin-Dargah Ajmer Sharif & Chairman-Chishty Foundation said, “To hear such slogans which aren’t attached to Dargah Ajmer Sharif…we denounce and boycott them."
Chishti said, “We completely denounce the slogans which are anti-Islamic and anti-humanity. They are the real culprits who are bringing these slogans of violence, death and destruction. Such slogans and call for violence are un-Islamic, anti-Islamic, anti-humanity & anti-society. The authority should take note of such individuals and exemplary punishment should be given to them. This is an issue of radical ideology which has been creeping up."