Thiruvananthapuram: Stepping up their campaign against entry of big retail chains, traders in Kerala today shut down shops bringing business to a virtual halt across the state. Thousands of medium and small shop owners joined the one-day strike called by the traders' union, Kerala Vyapari Vyavasayi Ekopana Samiti (KVVES), demanding that the LDF Government fulfil promise of restricting through a legislation the entry of monopolies into retail sector. Hoteliers and owners of medical stores, however, did not join the shut-down. A large number of traders from different parts of the state converged in the state capital and took out a march to the state assembly highlighting their demands. KVVES leaders said the response to the one-day strike call was spontaneous and overwhelming. Other demands of the traders include withdrawal of 1% cess on sales tax and changes in the Rent Control Act. |
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