Markets in Ayodhya remained busy till late night, business gaining

momentum

Strong law and order and regular police patrolling give

traders confidence in security

Ayodhya, October 24 (HS): The increased flow of devotees and

tourists to Ayodhya following the consecration of the Ram Temple is having an

impact on local markets. Law and order measures taken under Chief Minister Yogi

Adityanath's leadership, including regular police patrolling and strict action

against criminals, have strengthened traders' confidence in security. According

to traders, the markets are now bustling late into the night, and shops

remaining open late are providing opportunities for business.

Major markets, including Hanumangarhi, Chowk, Teedi Bazaar,

Rampath, and Civil Lines, remain vibrant even after dusk. Shops are bustling

with the flow of devotees and locals. Traders say the Yogi government's

zero-tolerance policy and the police's activeness have given them confidence in

conducting business in a safe environment. Following the Ram Temple

consecration, the increased number of tourists and improved security

arrangements have given local businesses a new impetus.

As soon as night fell, fear started haunting me: Pankaj

Gupta, president of the Ayodhya Udyog Vyapar Mandal, said that before 2017,

goons and miscreants used to terrorize shops. As night fell, an atmosphere of

fear would prevail. There were frequent incidents of extortion and robbery,

forcing markets to close early and disrupting business. He said that now,

thanks to regular police patrols and strict enforcement, traders are able to

operate without worry. According to him, shops remain open from 11 pm to 12 am,

and sales have doubled compared to before.

Improved security boosts business: Sandeep Mandhyan, a

bakery businessman in Chowk Bazaar, said that previously, due to poor law and

order and hooliganism, the markets would become deserted at night. Traders

suffered losses due to criminal activities. He added that after the Yogi

government came to power, action has been taken against criminals. Now,

customers visit the market late into the night, and his business has increased

by 60 to 70 percent.

Police patrolling strengthens the confidence of traders: Sushil

Jaiswal, a pharmaceutical dealer in Rikabganj, said that before 2017, goons

would come to shops in the dark of night, sometimes demanding money and simultaneously

stealing goods. In such an environment, many merchants were forced to close

their shops early and go home, impacting business. He said that now, police

patrolling and CCTV surveillance have increased security confidence. Goods

continue to move even at night, and sales are improving.

Markets are booming, providing opportunities to traders: Kamal

Kaushal, a utensils trader in Chowk Bazaar, said that previously, due to

hooliganism, doing business at night was risky and often resulted in losses.

According to him, law and order has improved under the Yogi government, with

police patrolling day and night. Now, the markets are vibrant late into the

night, and business has improved.

Strict action is being taken against criminals: SSP - Ayodhya

SSP Dr. Gaurav Grover stated that a zero-tolerance policy has been adopted on

the Chief Minister's instructions. Action is being taken against criminals and

gangsters under the Gangster Act. Efforts are being made to maintain a

fear-free environment in the markets through regular patrolling, checkpoints,

and CCTV surveillance. He added that ensuring traders feel safe late into the

night is a priority. The goal is to ensure that no criminal can raise his head.

Hindusthan Samachar / Abhishek Awasthi