According to reports, the trader-well-known in Pune’s bustling Market Yard-recently called for a boycott of Turkish apples, citing political and economic reasons. The boycott was reportedly in response to Turkey’s perceived stance on issues sensitive to India, including its diplomatic alignment with Pakistan and comments on Kashmir.
Shortly after the boycott campaign gained traction, the trader claims he received threatening messages and phone calls from individuals identifying themselves as being from Pakistan. The threats allegedly warned him to stop his boycott efforts or face dire consequences, including death.
The trader has formally lodged a complaint with Pune Police, providing details of the threatening messages and calls. In his statement, he emphasized that the threats would not deter him from standing up for what he believes is in the national interest. He also called for increased security for himself and other traders who may face similar intimidation.
Pune Police have confirmed receipt of the complaint and have launched an investigation. Cybercrime experts are working to trace the origin of the calls and messages. Authorities have assured the trader of protection and have stepped up surveillance in the Market Yard area.
The incident has left many traders in Pune Market Yard anxious about their safety, especially those involved in politically sensitive trade decisions. Several traders have demanded enhanced security measures and swift action against those responsible for the threats. The local trading community has rallied around the threatened trader, expressing solidarity and vowing not to be intimidated by external forces. Many traders have reiterated their support for the boycott of Turkish apples, turning the issue into a broader movement.
The controversy has highlighted how international politics can directly impact local commerce. With India’s diplomatic ties with Turkey and Pakistan under strain, such incidents underscore the vulnerability of traders to geopolitical fallout.
The call to boycott Turkish apples is part of a wider trend in India, where traders and consumers have increasingly used economic means to express disapproval of foreign policies perceived as hostile to Indian interests. In recent years, similar boycotts have targeted products from other countries amid diplomatic disputes. For many traders, the boycott is not just about economics-it’s a statement of patriotism and a way to align local commerce with national sentiment.
Law enforcement agencies have urged traders to remain vigilant and report any suspicious communications immediately. They have also advised against taking the law into their own hands, emphasizing the importance of following legal procedures and letting authorities handle threats.