Traders Take a Stand Against Turkiye's Support for Pakistan
Pune, May 15 – Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has lauded the Pune fruit traders for their patriotic gesture of halting imports of apples and dry fruits from Turkiye in protest against its support to Pakistan. The move comes after Turkiye criticized India’s counter-terror operations in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir.In a strong statement on Thursday, Fadnavis commended the traders at Pune’s APMC market who collectively decided to boycott Turkiye-origin produce, including apples, as a mark of protest.
"Nation First" Sentiment Praised
“I congratulate all traders who have decided to boycott imports from Turkiye. At this juncture, 'nation first' should be our stand,” said Fadnavis, underlining the need to respond to nations that support terrorism against India.He emphasized the importance of standing united in the wake of attacks such as the one in Pahalgam, adding, “There is a need to teach a lesson not only to those who orchestrated the killings but also to the countries supporting them.”
No Fear of Threats, Says CM
Responding to reports of a trader receiving a threatening call allegedly from Pakistan, the Chief Minister assured that the government stands firmly behind the traders.“India is a country that stormed into Pakistan and decimated it. Even The New York Times published satellite images showing the destruction caused by India. Pakistan could not retaliate. There is no need to fall prey to empty threats,” Fadnavis said, adding that the government would ensure adequate protection to those targeted.
Fadnavis concluded by welcoming the “organic feeling of ‘nation first’ among citizens,” calling it a powerful expression of patriotism and national solidarity.
