Jewellers to observe state-wide bandh on May 30

Mumbai, May 24 (UNI) Over six lakh jewellers in Maharashtra will observe a 24 hour state-wide bandh on May 30.

The bandh is being organized by Maharashtra rajya saraf Mahamandal (MRSM), backed by All India gems&jewellery trade federation to press its demand for better security from rising instances of violence against jewellers in the state.

The jewellers have also planned to conduct a Shanti morcha and a subsequent dharna at Azad maidan.

Announcing the bandh, Ashok Minawala, the Federation chairman, said there had more than 30 instances of day-light robberies in the state in past 11 months, in which the jewellers lost materials worth nearly Rs 10 crore.

''Since April alone, there have been 11 dacoities despite state government putting in place measures including formation of anti-dacoity squad in January 2007. The matter is badly in need of an urgent remedy.'', he said.

A joint delegation of MRSM and the Federation will meet the chief minister and the deputy chief minister to address their grievances on May 30.

UNI