GUWAHATI, Feb 18 - Traders throughout the State responded spontaneously to the nationwide trade strike call given by the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) to express solidarity with the nation and the families of security personnel killed in Pulwama terror attack on February 14.
Shops and trade installations remained closed across the State and processions were also taken out at some places demanding responsive action against terror mongers.
The Assam Chamber of Commerce (ACC), affiliated to the CAIT, supported the strike. Traders in Jorhat, Sivsagar, Tinsukia, Karbi Anglong, Barak valley and other parts of the State also supported the strike.
Trade activities in Fancy Bazar, the wholesale trade hub of Guwahati, came to a halt with all wholesale and retail shops remaining shut in support of the bandh. Shops in all the prominent areas of the market, including MG Road, TR Phookan Road, SS Road, Jail Road and SRCB Road remained closed during the day.
�We thank all the traders of Assam for showing solidarity with the nation at this hour. Whereas Fancy Bazar observed the trade strike in totality, traders from other parts of the State also abstained from opening their shops and other installations. We also request all traders to contribute to the national fund for the family of the martyrs,� Rupam Goswami, vice president of CAIT, told The Assam Tribune.
�The bandh was peaceful as the traders came out spontaneously in support of the confederation�s appeal. No volunteers from any trade organisation imposed the bandh anywhere in the State,� he said.
All loading and unloading activities in Fancy Bazar were halted supporting the strike. The Kamrup Chamber of Commerce (KCC) also supported the bandh. The KCC members have decided to give Rs 5 lakh to the family of Maneswar Basumatary, who was killed in the Pulwama attack. �Our members would visit Basumatary�s house in Baksa district and contribute our bit. We appeal others also to come out and support such families,� KCC president MP Jain said.
The Bharat bandh, however, was only for traders and commercial installations. Transport and essential supplies, etc., were kept out of its purview.
