On Saturday, China had extended its technical hold on India’s move to get Pakistan-based Azhar designated as a terrorist by the UN. China did it just two days before the expiry of the hold. (Image: Reuters)

As China continues to take Pakistan’s side over terrorism and block India’s bid to designate Jaish-e-Mohammad chief Masood Azhar as a terrorist by the United Nations, locals in several parts of India and also on social media have started campaigns to boycott Chinese products this festival season.

Angry with China’s support to Pakistan, people are extensively sharing posts on WhatsApp, Facebook and Twitter with an appeal to boycott Chinese items. On Saturday, China had extended its technical hold on India’s move to get Pakistan-based Azhar designated as a terrorist by the UN. China did it just two days before the expiry of the hold.

India had earlier said that Uri attack, in which 18 Indian soldiers lost their lives, was carried out by Jaish-e-Mohammad terrorists. Social media users were also angered after China blocked the flow of a tributary leading to Brahmaputra river in Assam. This was seen as the Chinese response to surgical strikes carried out by Indian soldiers on Pakistani terror launch pads.

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Several users have pledged not to buy Chinese items during festivals this year.

RAther then just tweeting, can we decide to boycott their produtcs, this diwali i decide not to buy any electronics of chinese items https://t.co/hLGHu23Xj4 — CASumit!! (@007sg) October 3, 2016

@varshasinghmcx

Stop all trades with Pakis andChina.

Boycott, burn all waste chinese items in Bharat.Educate our children in Schools — Purushothaman V (@purushueme) October 3, 2016

#Boycottchinaproduct Lets boycott Chinese product. Chinese items are similar to there govt. — Ved Prakash (@vedisback) October 3, 2016

@AnupamPkher@msdhoni China used its Veto power against a resolution for banning Azhar Masood,use ur veto this diwali #Boycott_Chinese_Items — sudip yadav (@sudip_lko) October 2, 2016

On Monday, India Today TV reported that the Indian government is preparing an extensive plan to make China understand the need to designate Azhar as a terrorist by the UN. Incidentally, Azhar’s Jaish-e-Mohammad has already been designated as a terrorist organisation by the UN. According to reports, India may have a detailed discussion with Chinese officials on the sidelines of BRICS Summit in Goa, starting October 15.

Not only on social media, ETV Uttar Pradesh today reported that several social organisations and people associated with different parties have pledged to boycott Chinese products in Agra, Uttar Pradesh.

Update: October 12/2018

A report in the ToI today said that the campaign to boycott Chinese products is gathering momentum in Agra as several organisations have appealed to locals boycott ‘Made in China’ goods.

The report said local businesses, who deal in Chinese lighting and decorative items, are apprehending a loss of around 75% profits in the current festival season.