The Bhopal bandh call given by Sarafa traders against the hike in excise duty, was a success on Thursday, the 16th day of the agitation by the traders.
As many as 12 associations had the responsibility of their respective areas for urging people to close their businesses for the half day. Starting from Kolar road to 10 number market, Sarafa traders took out a rally in auto-rickshaws and four-wheelers and requested everyone to cooperate in support of the bandh and explained their condition and gained public support.
The Sarafa traders gained full support from all main traders’ associations and retailers that helped Bhopal bandh a success. Usually the political bandhs succeed by using force, but here all other traders voluntarily supported the cause of the Sarafa traders and made the day.
The bandh was backed by Bhopal Chamber of Commerce, Confederation of All India Traders and more than 50 retailers. The traders took out a rally and visited shop to shop and made them aware of their condition. During the rally, at 2 pm a meeting was organised which was addressed by Congress’ Govind Goyal, who said that the government must revert such a law that affects so many people.
Sunil Jain, dealer of soaps and detergent (known as 501) also supported the cause of Sarafa traders and said only simple laws can contribute in the development of the nation whereas a complicated one will attract more corruption.
Meanwhile, at a dharna convened at New Delhi, more than 3000 Sarafa traders from Bhopal participated.
The working committee member of Sarafa Association Navneet Agrawal said, “All the 12 associations in Bhopal participated in the bandh by organizing rallies in their respective areas and then a huge dharna was staged at Sarafa Chowk. The next move is not yet determined, but whatever the decision that comes from National level Organization will be accepted and tomorrow we have a meeting at 12 noon at Sarafa Chowk.”