Other States - Orissa   

Small traders take to streets

BHUBANESWAR: Stepping up the ongoing agitation against the opening of Reliance Fresh outlets in the State, small traders observed a 12-hour bandh here on Wednesday.

Most of the shops remained closed while hundreds of traders took to the street demanding immediate closure of outlets and ban on RIL’s retail operation in the State. Wednesday’s gathering at Mahatma Gandhi Marg, in front of the State Assembly marked the culmination of a series of protests against opening of the stores.

Members of the delegation that met Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik at State Secretariat here on the issue said they would be forced to build up the agitation again if the State government did not take any decision to protect the interests of small traders.

“This time the demonstration will be more violent. State government will be held responsible for that if it failed to address concern of poor traders,” Pratap Sahu, All Orissa Roadside Vendors’ and Small Shops Association (AORVA), said.

Earlier traders and roadside vendors reached the venue in a truck and resorted to loud sloganeering along the Mahatma Gandhi Marg. Vehicular movement on the stretch was affected for several hours as traders vent their anger against opening of Reliance Fresh outlets.

“Lakhs of traders eke out their livelihood by opening small shops or sitting on pavements. But the Reliance company has come out with a dangerous plan which could snatch away the livelihood options of many,” said Orissa Byabasai Sangha president B. K. Mohanty.

He said the company must look to other sectors and spare the small traders. “The State government is a party to the crime by allowing the multinational companies to launch retail operation,” Mr. Mohanty said.

Big malls such as Forum Marts and newly-opened Pantaloon did not operate in the morning in view of the bandh.

“If the Reliance Fresh stores are allowed to operate in future, we will spread the agitation to others parts of the State,” Uthadokani Byabasai Sangh president Sura Jena said.

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