Fadnavis praises Pune traders’ Turkey apple boycott

Pune

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis praised Pune traders on Thursday for taking a strong nation first stance by boycotting apples and dry fruits imported from Turkey. This move came as a protest against Turkey’s support for Pakistan following India’s strikes on terror sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir. Traders at Pune’s APMC market decided to stop buying Turkish fruits to show their disapproval.

Fadnavis congratulated the traders and said it is important to send a clear message not only to those behind the Pahalgam attack but also to countries supporting them. He welcomed the spirit of patriotism shown by the citizens.

Addressing concerns over a trader receiving a threatening call allegedly from Pakistan, Fadnavis assured that there is no need to fear such threats. He recalled how India successfully struck terror camps in Pakistan, which was even confirmed by The New York Times using satellite images. He stressed that Pakistan has not been able to harm India and urged everyone to stay strong and united. The Chief Minister also promised that the government would provide protection to those standing firm with the nation’s interests.

Days after Pune fruit traders stopped importing apples from Turkey to protest its support for Pakistan, a trader said he received a threatening voice message from Pakistan. The Pune Produce Market Committee, known as Marketyard, had boycotted Turkish apples after Turkey criticised India's strikes on terror sites. The trader ignored calls but replied to the message, which contained insults against India. Traders plan to meet the Pune police commissioner. As a protest, they threw Turkish apples on the road. Apples imported from Turkey are worth about Rs 1,200 crore.