Commercial establishments, shops, petrol pumps including pharmacies kept their shutters down today in the wake of the shutdown called by the Confederation of All India Traders against FDI in retail.
While petrol pumps opened after noon to ensure that the general public is not at the receiving end, other commercial establishments continue to remain shut in Guwahati and other parts of the region in the wake of the shutdown call.
About 40 traders’ bodies in Assam extended their support to the bandh call. In Assam various organisations like the Assam Chamber of Commerce, Kamrup Chamber of Commerce and several others also extended their support to the Bandh.
The protesting traders opposing FDI in retail stated that it poses a threat to small businesses in the country. The traders also noted that big e-commerce giants have already taken over a large section of the retail market in the country.
The review meeting was attended by Chief Ministers of Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur and Tripura.
In total, around 1,200-1,400 houses primarily belonging to Bengali-speaking Muslims, were demolished during the eviction…