The traders bandh called by the Confederation of All India Traders against the Centre's decision allowing foreign direct investment in the retail sector evoked a lukewarm response in Tiruchi district with a majority of shops and commercial establishments remaining open as usual on Thursday.
In Tiruchi city, a majority of shops and traders were open including the busy Gandhi Market and the commercial areas of the N.S.B.Road, Singarathope, Big Bazaar Street and other areas. According to sources in traders' organisations, shops in most parts of the district, except a few in some places such as Thuraiyur and Uppilliyapuram, were open.
The Tamil Nadu Traders Federation, which commands widespread support in the city, had already announced that its members would not participate in the strike in view of Chief Minister Jayalalithaa's statement that FDI would not be allowed in Tamil Nadu.
However, members of Tamil Nadu Vanigar Sangankalin Peravai, led by district president P.Ravimuthuraja, observed a fast at Ariyamangalam.
In a statement issued later, Mr.Ravimuthuraja said that resolutions condemning the Centre's decision and seeking a ban on futures trading were adopted during the fast.
