Left-out traders rue timing of HC order, allege harassment

Tribune News Service

Mohali, October 16

Firecrackers traders, who were left out in the draw of lots for issuance of temporary licences, called the process ‘unfair’ and alleged harassment by the authorities concerned.

They said the decision to restrict the number of licences and put a virtual ban on the use of firecrackers was taken too late.

Deepak Singh, who had come from Dera Bassi, said he received information of the High Court’s order last evening. “The decision should have been taken two-three months earlier. I have purchased crackers worth Rs 1,50,000 from Saharanpur. The stock will now go waste.”

Manoj Bansal from Banur said some people had borrowed money to purchase firecrackers for sale. “How will they clear their stock and pay back the borrowed sum? I had paid Rs 1,000 for the application form for licence one month ago at the SDM’s office and purchased crackers worth Rs 80,000. This is harassment,” he said.

Some of the unsuccessful traders said they would protest by setting up stalls in markets and violate the HC order.

Raj Mittal, a trader from Dhakoli, said he had purchased crackers worth Rs 2 lakh. “I will go to Kurali to clear my stock. If the authorities are concerned about pollution, they should put a ban on manufacture of firecrackers,” he said.