Jewellery traders and workers in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, staged a protest at Powerhouse crossing in Ashiana in response to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's appeal to postpone gold purchases and foreign travel for one year to conserve foreign exchange during the ongoing West Asia crisis. The Lucknow Sarafa Association expressed concerns that such remarks could severely impact the traditional jewellery trade and the livelihoods of many workers. They highlighted that the city is home to approximately 6,000 jewellery establishments, directly employing thousands, with around 30,000 families relying on the trade. Protesters voiced that gold is not just a luxury but a vital financial safeguard for households, especially during economic uncertainty. Association president Manish Kumar Varma questioned how jewellers and their employees would survive if public sentiment shifted against gold purchases. Additionally, they argued that larger organized players might benefit while smaller traders struggle. The protesters submitted a memorandum to policymakers, urging them to recognize the importance of the sarafa trade in supporting local economies and employment.