By our correspondent
Agartala, January 15, 2019: Trading activities in Border Haat at Srinagar in Sabroom under South Tripura District came to a grinding halt as Bangladeshi traders and people decided to stay away from the Haat today. The Border Haat virtually remained shut today as there were no sellers or buyers from Bangladesh. The Haat shut down was reportedly due to administrative directives which arguably affected number buyers and visitors. It is learnt, resentment among the local traders of Srinagar is also palpable as number of visitors came down drastically making business unviable after administration clamped restrictions on limits of purchase as well as number of visitors allowed on every Haat day.
Local sources alleged, District Magistrate of South served a notice yesterday shutting doors for visitors to enter in the Border Haat. The notice stated, no other visitors except people of Poangbari Block area with Vendi Card will be allowed to enter into the Haat. Moreover, the notice bar more than 1500 people will be allowed to enter into Haat. Even though, around 3200 people have Vendi Cards, only 1500 of them will be allowed to enter into the Haat – the decision has resulted drastic reduction in number of visitors.
Moreover, finger of allegations has been raised against Indian Customs Officers. It is alleged, Officers do not allow buyers to purchase goods of more than 5-10 kg. “All these factors have left business at Haat dull and unprofitable”, alleged Bangladeshi Fish trader Abul Kalam. He said that he would sell around 1000 kg fishes at Haat – however, now sale has come down to 100-200kg now-a-days.
While objective of setting Border Haat is to create livelihood options for local people, it is expected that concerned administration would take initiative eyeing to make Haat more lucrative. People alleged, attitude of the administration is hampering business environment.
