Mumbai : After the successful boycott of American products in Bhendi Bazar restaurants, Muslim restaurateurs want to take the agitation across the city and include the common man.
The boycott, which is a silent protest against the bombings in Gaza by the Israelis and American products, is being supported by the Urdu press.
A list of American origin products have been prepared and sent across to restaurants and shops in the city. These products, which are at present being banned by prominent restaurants in Bhendi Bazar is being boycotted in Mumbra and Kurla as well.
Omar Shaikh, owner of Shalimar restaurant in Bhendi Bazar, wants to spread the message across not only to restaurants but also to retail shops and malls. Shaikh says, “We do not want it to be restricted to just hotels in the city but also want to cover retailers and suppliers in local shops. The common man should stop buying these products from the shops which sell them, as a mark of protest.”
Sarfaraz Arzo, editor of Hindustan, an Urdu daily said, “It is a symbolic protest and will not break or even create a dent in the American economy. We as a newspaper also oppose the wrongdoings in Gaza and extend our support the protest.” Omar added, “People at large should stop buying these products even if some shopkeepers are selling them. It is not a Muslim movement but an Indian movement which people should support on humanitarian grounds.”
Whereas Khalid Mohamad of Noor Mohammadi restaurants said, “People question us as to why there are no cold drinks and we tell them the reason which has created awareness not only amongst Muslims but also among non-Muslims who agree with us. People should be a part of the protest if they feel what is happening in Gaza is wrong.”
These restaurant owners have also put up charity boxes to collect donations and send it across to the victims in Gaza. However, the manager of famous Noorani restaurant at Haji Ali said, “All the products are American and will not cause any major difference.”
