The Hindu Archives: Terror threat dents biz at Begum Bazaar

People keep away following media reports of it being on the terrorist radar

February 28, 2013 01:03 am | Updated June 13, 2016 09:01 am IST

HYDERABAD: ANDHRA PRADESH: 27-02-2013: People are avoiding the Begum Bazaar market at the recent bomb blasts at Dilsukhnagar. PHOTO BY: ASIF YAR KHAN

HYDERABAD: ANDHRA PRADESH: 27-02-2013: People are avoiding the Begum Bazaar market at the recent bomb blasts at Dilsukhnagar. PHOTO BY: ASIF YAR KHAN

People are slowly coming back to Begum Bazaar after a few days of hesitation.

Reports of the market being on the terrorist radar and a letter purportedly written by a terror group warning about bomb blasts there, had kept people away.

“Business was comparatively dull last week. We assure people that all steps are being taken to make it a safe place,” said Ghanshayam Bhati, president, Hyderabad Kirana Merchants Association, adding that “people are avoiding the market after the media reported of a terror module conducting reconnaissance.”

There are about 4,000 shops in and around Begum Bazaar considered to be one of the biggest commercial markets of the city. People visit the wholesale market for their needs not only from the city but also from the districts as well.

About 25,000 people earn their livelihood through the market like the ‘hamalis’ and salesmen.

“We earn Rs.300 a day but when the market closes, our wages too get affected,” says Sandeep, a salesman.

CCTVs being installed

Complying with the police orders, traders have begun to install closed circuit surveillance cameras. A few big shops have hired security personnel while the smaller ones are contemplating hiring watch-and-ward staff.

One can see a strict vigil being maintained at the Aziz Plaza, the busiest market of Begum Bazaar, even as it wore a near deserted look on Wednesday.

Security personnel at the complex were frisking people and checking their belongings before allowing them inside.

Poor business

“Against the regular business of Rs. 20,000 a day we could do business only between Rs. 4,000 and Rs. 5,000,” said Waseem, a crockery store owner.

A few thousand people visit the market every day. Hence, it could be a possible reason for the terror modules to focus on it, feel police officials.

However, the police are conducting regular anti-sabotage checks at the market and are making repeated announcements asking the public to be vigilant.

0 / 0
Sign in to unlock member-only benefits!
  • Access 10 free stories every month
  • Save stories to read later
  • Access to comment on every story
  • Sign-up/manage your newsletter subscriptions with a single click
  • Get notified by email for early access to discounts & offers on our products
Sign in

Comments

Comments have to be in English, and in full sentences. They cannot be abusive or personal. Please abide by our community guidelines for posting your comments.

We have migrated to a new commenting platform. If you are already a registered user of The Hindu and logged in, you may continue to engage with our articles. If you do not have an account please register and login to post comments. Users can access their older comments by logging into their accounts on Vuukle.