Onion traders in Delhi go on indefinite strike against raids

New Delhi, Jan 12 (ANI): Onion traders in Delhi announced an indefinite strike from Wednesday to protest raids on their premises in the wake of spiralling onion prices.

The traders at Azadpur, Asia's biggest vegetable and fruit market, are protesting against the income tax raids, which are being carried out throughout the country to check hoarding.

Onion prices continue to be in the range of Rs. 55-60 per kg in retail markets. The government has also asked agri cooperative NAFED to open more outlets to sell onion at a cheaper rate of Rs. 35 a kg in Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR).

Meanwhile, the Delhi government threatened to invoke the Essential Services Maintenance Act (ESMA) against them unless they back down.

On Tuesday, retail prices ranged between R55 and R70 per kg across colonies, although the wholesale rates ranged from Rs 17.50 to Rs 45.0 per kg.

Monday had seen 1,300 tonnes arrival of onions in Delhi. (ANI)