Bharat bandh: Traders refuse to down their shutters

AGRA/ FIROZABAD: Traders of Agra, Firozabad and other districts in the region boycotted the opposition parties’ ‘Bharat bandh’ against demonetisation and kept their shops and businesses open for the entire day. Not a single market was reported to be closed on Monday.
According to Hemant Bhojwani, president of traders’ association of Rui Ki Mandi in Agra, said, “There is no reason to shut our businesses for even a day.It’s the peak season of our trade. Those who have called for bandh are either ignorant about the benefits of demonetisation in the long run or have their own vested interests as the common man needs to earn his livelihood daily.”
Similarly, markets of Firozabad district remained open for the entire day.
Santosh Singh, owner of bangle and artificial jewellery shop in Firozabad city, said, “We opened our shops an hour earlier on Monday morning and will not shut before 9 pm. Not a single shop is supporting the Bharat bandh in our local market.”
Mohammad Anees, a garment shop owner in Etah district, said, “It was a usual day of business. There was no sign of any bandh. Some political parties took out a march against demonetisation but the locals do not care about it.”
Similar reports came from Mathura, Kasganj, Aligarh and Mainpuri.
Amit Yadav, a local trade leader in Kasganj, said, “A handful of traders kept their shops closed but by evening everyone opened their shops and did business.”