Hunger strike against MNCs' entry into retail on Jan 29

Tiruchirapalli, Dec 9 (UNI) As many as 140 chambers of commerce and other traders' associations of Tamil Nadu will go on a one-day hunger strike in Chennai on January 29, 2008, protesting against the entry of corporates and multinational companies into retail trade.

Announcing this at a press conference here, Tamil Nadu Traders Federation (TTF) state president A K Hussain and general secretary Ve Govindarajulu said a memorandum would be submitted to Chief Minister M Karunanidhi after the hunger strike.

The decision to organise a fast was taken at a meeting jointly organised by Tamil Nadu Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Madurai and TTF.

A five-member committee-- 'Tamil Nadu Retail Traders Protection Committee (TRTPC)'-- was formed to spearhead the agitational path.

TRTPC member S Rathinavel said the committee would tour the state to mobilise support against the entry of MNCs, which would 'severely affect' small traders and vendors.

UNI