Insaaf Times Desk

In Indore’s Sitla Mata Market, the open call by BJP MLA Malini Gaur’s son, Aklavya Singh Gaur, to remove Muslim traders and workers has sparked panic across the market. Large banners have gone up declaring the area a “Jihadi-Free Market,” thanking Aklavya Singh Gaur as a “Protector of Hindus.”

Muslim traders and employees say their livelihoods are now under severe threat. Mohammad Shakeer Hussain, who has worked in the market for the past 20 years, said, “After a single speech, I suddenly became a ‘threat’ in the market. How can I return to a place where even being recognized puts me at risk?”

Daily-wage worker Bablu said his means of earning were destroyed in an instant. “I used to support my family, but now shop owners are afraid to employ me. I’m looking for work everywhere, but every door seems closed.”

Some traders are now planning to run their own shops and start online businesses. Arbaaz Sheikh, who previously operated two shops in Sitla Mata Market, said, “If the market doesn’t want us, we will build our own businesses. We’ll start small and support each other. We can no longer rely on anyone’s mercy.”

Senior trader Haji Rashid warned that such ethnic-based dismissals could seriously damage the city’s business unity and economy. He said, “Indore’s markets thrive when Hindus and Muslims work together. Breaking this will harm not just traders, but the entire city.”

Congress MLA Chintu Chouksey added, “Most shop owners don’t want to remove their employees because it also drives away customers. This is part of the BJP’s strategy to spread hatred. Aklavya Singh Gaur holds no official position, so why is his call so effective?”

This incident has raised serious questions about religious and social unity and has sparked concerns about long-term instability in Indore’s commercial environment.