Diamond traders in Surat shut shop to express solidarity

Almost all diamond traders at Surat in southern Gujarat, the ‘diamond city, today kept their shops closed to express solidarity with the victims of the serial blasts at Opera House, Dadar and Zaveri Bazar in Mumbai.

Opera House, a diamond trading hub in the financial capital, houses 400-odd diamond trading firms, with a daily business of around Rs 200 crore. The triple blasts claimed the lives of six diamond traders.

“The diamond industry in Surat sympathises with the families of the deceased and called for a shutdown of trading activity for a day,” said Dinesh Navadia, president, Surat Diamond Association (SDA). However, diamond polishing units continued to work as usual.

SDA reviewed security arrangements at key premises and buildings housing their members. “We have decided to put up CCTV cameras on streets and parking sites, and stricter implementation of the parking norms. We have also decided to not allow street vendors and food stalls around these offices and buildings,” informed Navadia.

SDA is also seeking the state government’s assistance for tighter security. “Since this is an unorganised sector and a high-value industry, there is need for long-term planning on security. The industry is also demanding a separate police station for the area having a large number of diamond trading firms,” said Pravin Nanavati, industry expert and former president of SDA.

“The blasts will not affect our growth. This is an unfortunate incident but will not deter buyers coming to India for the diamond trade,” said Rajiv Jain, chairman, Gems and Jewellery Export Promotion Council.