Despite ban, sale of Army uniform continues in city

Karam Prakash

Tribune News Service

Patiala, February 15

Despite ban, shopkeepers here continue to sell Army uniforms. It seems that the implementation of ban is a Herculean task for the authorities as Army fatigues are easily available at shops.

To avoid any misuse of the Army uniform, the District Magistrate, Kumar Amit, on February 8 issued a circular that banned the sale and purchase of Army uniforms. 

The circular also prohibited the use of Army fabric, shoes, badges, caps, and belts in the district. A visit to some markets in the city today reveled that there was no impact of the ban.

A few shopkeepers near the Army Cantonment area were seen selling Army fatigues even without verifying the buyers.

However, a shopkeeper claimed that only ex-servicemen could sell the Army uniforms. He also showed an ID proof, which had a stamp of Army Cantonment, authorising him to sell the uniform. The shopkeeper said he had maintained a special diary to keep the record of every sale.

Small shops and roadside tailors in Dharampura Bazar, near Nabha Gate and Adalat Bazaar were seen selling and stitching Army uniforms and they too without verifying the buyers.

To avoid any misuse, Kumar Amit had also imposed a ban on the sale and purchase of olive green uniform by any civilian retailer.  In fact, some of the big fashion stores were also found selling camouflage shirts and trousers.

Without proving any detail, anyone can buy the Army uniform by spending just Rs 800.

The Tribune came across a shop near Nabha Gate which was found flouting the norms. The shopkeeper was ready to provide the complete Army dress without one’s id proof.

Last year, after the Pathankot Air Base attack, the Defence Ministry was reportedly requested to impress upon the state governments to strictly impose the ban on the sale of Army items.

Interestingly, the Army uniforms and gears are also available on popular e-commerce and other websites.

Senior Superintendent of Police S Boopathi could not be contacted as he did not respond to the repeated calls.