KOZHIKODE: A section of traders are apprehensive that the ban imposed by the district administration on the sale of firecrackers in shops in Kozhikode Corporation limits would jeopardise business during the Vishu festival when cracker sales peak.

Threaten to call hartal

The traders dealing in firecrackers staged a protest in front of the Collectorate here on Tuesday and have threatened to call a hartal to highlight their protest against the ban. Traders will convene a meeting in this regard in the evening.

District Collector A. Jayathilak held discussions with representatives of wholesale and retail traders of firecrackers on Monday and Tuesday in view of the ban and to bring about a rapprochement on the issue.

Argument

The argument of the district authorities is that the sale of firecrackers would be carried out in conformity with the safety norms stipulated in the Indian Explosives Act.

Mr. Jayathilak said traders could put up stalls at Swapna Nagari and carry out business. In view of the sentiments raised by traders in Kinassery, Puthiyangadi, Kunduparambu, Malaparamba, Mankave and similar such locations, the District Collector permitted the sale of crackers in open space at these centres once the police, Fire and Rescue Services and the Corporation authorities certify the safety angle. The traders should give an application in writing to the authorities. The district administration had withdrawn their licence following the fire that broke out at Kerala City Mart on Moideen Palli Road on April 5. Members of the Kerala Vyapari Vyavasayi Ekopana Samithi, including K. Hasan Koya, State general secretary, C.P. Abdurehman, chairman of the city committee, among others, participated in the meeting convened by the District Collector at the Collectorate.

Dealers

As many as 161 firecracker traders operate in the city with three major wholesalers operating from Moideen Palli Road and Palayam, and retailers carrying on business across the city. Scores of traders carried on seasonal trade of firecrackers during festivals such as Vishu.

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