The ‘Chhattisgarh Bandh’ called by bullion traders in protest of one per cent excise duty hike announced on gold jewellery items in the Union Budget received favourable response in various cities of Chhattisgarh.
The bandh was supported by Chhattisgarh Chamber of Commerce and Industries (CCCI).
Harakh Malu, President of Raipur Sarafa Association informed that the shutdown was total in Raipur, Bilaspur, Rajnandgaon, Kanker, Jagdalpur, Durg, Bhilai, Dhamtari, Ambikapur, Korba and other cities.
Various political parties like Congress, AAP, Shiv Sena and others had also extended their support to the protest, he said.
President of Chhattisgarh Sarafa Association Tilokchand Baradia said that the impact of ‘Chhattisgarh bandh’ called in protest of excise duty hike was felt across the State.
The bullion traders, cloth market, Sadar Bazaar, Gol Bazaar, Ravi Bhawan, wholesale vegetable market, Gudhiyari, Ramsagarpara and other markets of Raipur city remained shut.
Movie halls and petrol pumps also remained closed to support the bandh. Mayor of Raipur city Pramod Dubey had also supported the shut down.
Notably, the bullion traders are protesting one per cent excise duty hike on gold and diamonds. They are demanding roll back of hiked excise duty and a rally was organized in Delhi also, Malu said.