Traders protest against entry of retail giants

Thiruvananthapuram, Feb 23 (UNI) Traders in Kerala today downed shutters as part of the state-wide agitation against the entry of retail giants into the state.

Reports from various parts of the state said the shut down was total. Meanwhile, hotels and medical shops were functioning.

The Kerala Vyapari Vyvasayi Ekopana Samithi (KVVES) and the Kerala State Vyapari Vyvasayi Samithi (KSVVS) had together called for the strike demanding that the ruling Left Government enact a law to prevent the entry of retail giants.

Protest marches were taken out by the KSVVS in different parts of the state. In Thiruvananthapuram, the KSVVS marched to the secretariat. Meanwhile, the KVVES held a protest meeting at Thrissur.

The traders demanded a legislation during the present Assembly session itself. It was said that about 20 to 25 lakh retail traders in the state were facing the threat of closure due to the entry of retail giants.

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