Commerce body to agitate against big malls

Guwahati, Aug 30 (UNI) The Assam Chamber of Commerce (ACC) today set a deadline of another month before taking on agitations against the big shopping malls in Guwahati if the state government failed to respond to its appeal to regulate the malls.

The ACC will be forced to take up agitations if the government does not address our concerns, Rupam Goswami, ACC state convener said.

He informed that the commerce body had submitted a memorandum to the chief minister and also met the Industries and Commerce minister and Labour Commissioner in this regard.

There had, however, been no response from the government till now, Mr Goswami added.

He said a dharna programme in front of the shopping malls would be undertaken on October five if the government failed to respond.

The ACC urged the state government to bring in a shopping malls regulation act as the unchecked and unplanned growth of big shopping malls is adversely effecting the business of the retailers.

On the appeal by students' groups not to engage suspected nationals, Mr Goswami said the ACC has asked its members to keep a vigil and not engage any suspected person.

UNI SG SJC RN1825