The traders of Hailakandi district in south Assam’s Barak Valley are blaming sluggish sales ahead of Durga Puja on NRC, online marketing and the May communal clash in the district.

The president of the Hailakandi District Merchant Association, Bhagwandas Sarda, said this year, all the three factors were responsible for the crisis in the market. He said a memorandum was submitted by the association on Tuesday to the deputy commissioner of Hailakandi for compensating the traders whose shops and business establishments were affected and burnt.

Altogether 32 shops were severely affected during a communal clash in Hailakandi town on May 10.

The association claimed that the amount of loss was about Rs 1.32 crore. It urged the deputy commissioner to release funds as compensation for the affected traders who now face difficulty in making ends meet.

Ranjit Bhowmick, owner of a clothes shop in Hailakandi, said they were in this trade for the last 50 years but had never seen such dullness in the market during Puja festivities.

He said: “We wait for Durga Puja to make some profit and bring various types of garments as per the demand of the customers, but this year we are incurring huge losses. It is difficult to believe that a trader is passing time reading a newspaper during the festive season.”

This is the story of every trader. They also blame online shopping for the dip in sales.

According to another trader, online shopping sites give high discounts which attract customers of all ages and particularly the young generation.

The NRC issue also hampered sale as people are finding it difficult to whip up the enthusiasm to go shopping.

Another trader said Hailakandi witnessed a major communal clash on May 10 and normality had not returned in the town.

Chameli Ghosh, a college student, said she and her friends did all their shopping online sitting at home.

“You have lots of options while shopping online. You get attractive discounts. Moreover, there are provisions for returning the dress in case of damage. So, why shall I take the trouble of going out and getting caught in a traffic jam?” she asked.

“There should be some restrictions on online shopping as it has ruined the small traders,” Sarda said.

The association requested the deputy commissioner on Tuesday to ask the municipal authorities to keep the town clean and free of germs by cleaning everyday.

“A memorandum was also submitted today by the association to the deputy commissioner in this regard,” Sarda said.