The three-day strike of the gems and jewellery traders concluded on Friday.
In support of the strike called by the Madhya Pradesh Sarafa Association and the All India Gems and Jewellery Trade Federation (GJF) to protest against levy of excise duty on jewellery in the Union Budget, all the sarafa associations of Bhopal and artisans from Shree Sarafa Association, Bhopal, Old City, New Market, 10 Number, Berkheda, Bairagarh, Piplani, Anand Nagar, Awadpuri, Jehangirabad, Chhola, Kolar Road, Shahjehanabad, Karond and Apsara Talkies area had closed their establishments and participated in the strike.
On the third day, dharna was staged at Sarafa Chowk.
The Sarafa associations decided to put off a proposal to go on indefinite strike until the exercise duty is taken back.
There are more than 10,000 families dependent on this profession in Bhopal. Since the marriage season is on, the citizens are facing difficulties due to the strike.
The associations at the national level had had discussions with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Finance Minister Arun Jaitley who reportedly assured the traders that the levy would be withdrawn. However, the traders have said assurance would not do.