FAISALABAD, Oct 31: Shopping for Eid has picked up, though there is not the traditional rush in almost all markets owing to the recent tragedy that struck areas in Azad Kashmir and the NWFP.

The shopping activity has not gained as much momentum as was seen over the years in the traditionally well-frequented commercial centres of the city, as the people are still in grief and they have preferred to contribute to the funds for the victims.

During visits to the city commercial centres like the Katchery Bazaar, Bhawana Bazaar, Aminpur Bazaar, Rail Bazaar, Anarkali Bazaar and other shopping areas, very few people were seen shopping for their children. Also without much business were bangle shops and the dealers say they have experienced 75 per cent decline in the sale this year than the last year’s.

Sharif Zaman, who runs a bangle shop in Anarkali Bazaar, told this correspondent that they had purchased a huge stock of bangles from Hyderabad and Karachi about a month ago. But the Oct 8 tragedy changed the scenario due to which the dealers had faced a heavy loss.

“We are not worried about the financial loss this year because the country has been passing through a moment of crisis,” he added.

Shopkeepers dealing in clothes, shoes, jewellery, cosmetics and garments claim to have suffered loss because of “a considerable decline in sales.”

Some women visitors to the Bano Market said they had visited the bazaar to purchase of garments for their children. “Actually, this is not an Eid shopping and people are purchasing warm clothes and shoes ahead of winter season.”

The trend of sending Eid cards and bouquets to friends and relatives has also marked a decline. It is observed that cards printed with pictures of quake victims and appeals to donate generously for the victims have flooded the market and people are interested in them.

Security: Meanwhile, tight security arrangements have been made in all commercial centres of the city and its adjoining towns to protect the lives and properties of the people during Eid shopping.

Talking to the press here on Monday, District Police Officer Muhammad Amin Wains said policemen and women in plain clothes had been deputed at congested markets to keep a vigil on suspects and avert any untoward incident.

He said special pickets had been set up on major inter-city roads and highways to minutely check suspected vehicles. Closed-circuit cameras had also been installed at Clock Tower to monitor eight bazaars of the city.

He said trade representatives and shopkeepers had been directed to inform the police about any movement of suspects.

The DPO said the number of emergency police squads had been enhanced.

He claimed that the recent crackdown on hardened criminals and arrest of hundreds of proclaimed offenders during the last couple of months had lowered crime graph in the district.

He said following instructions of the IGP and Faisalabad DIG, an operation was being conducted against cattle lifters and drug pushers.