HAILAKANDI, May 18 - Bhagwan Sarda and Sudip Paul, president and general secretary respectively of the Hailakandi District Merchants� Association, submitted a memorandum to the Hailakandi Deputy Commissioner, demanding a compensation of Rs 8 crore for owners of 38 business establishments and shops in Hailakandi town, who suffered losses in the recent violence in the district. They also stated that two traders received injuries during the clash.
Many shops and business establishments were vandalised by a mob on May 10 during the clash between two groups here. Indefinite curfew was clamped immediately after the clash. Internet services were blocked on the same day throughout the Barak Valley.
Meanwhile, the Hailakandi district administration has asked the traders and merchants to continue their normal activities so that there is no impact on the local economy.
At a meeting convened by the district administration at the DC�s conference hall here today, Deputy Commissioner Keerthi Jalli urged merchant associations across the district to cooperate with the administration in restoring peace and normal life.
Jalli told the traders that the administration has already assessed the damage suffered by them and sent a detailed report to the Government for payment of compensation.
The traders urged the administration to install CCTVs at the main thoroughfares to detect antisocial and subversive activities. They also called for stern action against those who posted objectionable comments on social media platforms following the outbreak of violence.
The meeting unanimously decided to hold a Shanti Yatra. A padyatra was immediately taken out from the DC�s office that traversed through the main market areas of the town. �The padyatra was taken out to spread the message that the situation in the town is stable and trade and business can resume as usual,� said the DC who led the rally along with SP Mohneesh Mishra, other officials, merchants and traders.
On Thursday, a peace rally was held. Only night curfew has been in force in Hailakandi district since the last couple of days.
A separate rally was also taken out by merchants here today. North Karimganj MLA Kamalakshya Dey Purkayastha demanded payment of adequate compensation to the traders whose properties and goods were damaged during the clash on May 10. He met Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal on Friday in Dispur and demanded institution of a probe commission headed by a retired judge of the Gauhati High Court. The MLA also demanded action against those who spread inflammatory messages on the social media prior to the clash.
