MEERUT, May 12 -- Even as they endorsed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's call, bullion traders in Meerut expressed concern that a sustained decline in gold purchases could push thousands of artisans and workers into financial distress.

The concern follows the Prime Minister's appeal during a public gathering in Hyderabad amid the ongoing West Asia crisis, where he urged citizens to refrain from buying gold for one year in the interest of the nation's economy.

In response, the Meerut Bullion and Jewellers Association has submitted a memorandum to the Prime Minister seeking immediate government intervention and policy support to protect traders and workers linked to the industry.

Representatives of the trade warned that a sharp fall in gol...