New Delhi: Gaffar market is the only place in the national capital that fixes people’s “tech issues.” A chaotic hub is appropriate to describe the place to somebody who has never been there.
Even after a ferocious blast in 2008, the market shows no trace of damage. The area comprises of 276 shops and innumerable hawkers. Commonly known for electronic goods, the market serves everything from garments to food to its visitors.
“You will get everything you need, from a pin to a thread, and every electronic appliance except aeroplanes,” said Ajay, the owner of a mobile repair shop. Segregated into four lanes, the market is a random collection of various kinds of shops.
The inception of this shopping cadre took place in 1952. It was named after the great freedom combatant, Ghaffar Khan, who was a Pashtun and an Afghan political figure. Popular because of his peaceful movement towards the rule of the British in India, he was an enduring peace lover and a spiritual Muslim. His family encouraged him to join the Indian Army, but he was disappointed to see the ill-treatment of an Indian at the hands of a British officer. He then left the Army and went to England for further studies.
During 1920, he built an association with Mahatma Gandhi and the National Congress Party in India which continued till 1947. Ghaffar Khan was completely against the demand of the Muslim League concerning the division of India.
After the partition, he was arrested by the government of Pakistan as he was representing India. He even opposed the dictatorial moves of the government. As a result, he spent his time in exile and in prison between 1960 and 1970.
The area was then occupied by Pakistani refugees. They ran tea stalls and lived in basic tenements. Even after so many years, there are still some shops that are run by Pakistani refugees.
