Buy an AK-47 for the Enemy

How much does an AK-47 cost in the black market? Anything ranging from US$600 to US$2000, or ₹45,000 to ₹1.50 lakhs. Legally manufacutured AK-47s or their equivalent rifles could be much cheaper, say Rs. 20,000 to 30,000. A 7.62mm bullet that is used in these rifles is merely ₹50 each. The data I present here is available in public domain.

Now compare the money that you pay for a Chinese mobile phone, ₹30,000 or more, or a Rakhi, ₹50 or so. Each Chinese mobile phone that you buy pays for an assault rifle. A television imported from China easily pays for two AK-47s and a few magazines of bullets. Each of these bullets can kill a soldier, and is paid for by a rakhee tied by a sister on her brother’s wrist. The martyr is someone’s brother too. A string of Diwali lights can help the Chinese buy a full magazine of bullets.

A flower vase, a cooking utensil or a kitchen appliance, a painting or a photo frame, a towel or a pair of hawaai chappal – everything comes from China. Even Western, Japanese and Korean brands get their stuff manufactured in China. So, whatever you buy is paid for with the lives of our soldiers, or will pay one day. Every such product you buy brings an Indian factory a step closer to shutting down and rendering hundreds and thousands jobless and homeless.

The government, or the Prime Minister himself, cannot openly ask you to boycott Chinese products. They will be in violation of international treaties and conventions. But, you and I, the ordinary citizens of India are not bound by such diplomatic shackles. We must make our own choice, which we are free and unfettered to do.

You say you need a need a new phone or a new television. Do you, really? Can you find an alternative? Or, can’t you simply postpone your purchase for another year or two? Get that gadget repaired, overhauled, gets its battery replaced, give it a good cleaning – maybe it will serve you some more time. Hold it my friend! Buying any product, whether it is a Chinese brand or a non-Chinese brand made in China can wait at least one year. Go ahead and buy it next year if you are so desperate.

Am I asking for too much?