All traders in Lalgudi town downed shutters marking the inauguration of three-day bandh and fast in the town, in support of their nine-point charter of demands. Expressing concern over what they called ‘prolonged neglect' of the Lalgudi town, they have also planned to float a town development committee for achieving overall progress and development of the town through social initiatives and programmes.
An estimated 700-odd shops remained closed in the town, even while members of the all traders' associations went on their first-leg of the fast in front of the bus stand in the town.
They demanded setting up a bypass road in the periphery of the town to ease traffic congestion. T.Vellaiyan, state president, Tamil Nadu Vanigar Sangankalin Peravai, addressing presspersons at Lalgudi, urged the State government to take immediate action for providing the bypass road. Though the previous government had mooted a proposal in the regard, it did not materialise, he said adding that the traders called for the three-day bandh to draw the attention of State government. He specifically urged the government to execute the proposal. The traders also protest against the proposed setting up of a traffic island in the town. Mr.Vellaiyan said that about 150 shops and 100 residential complex in the bus stand area were facing demolition in the wake of the proposed traffic island.
He also said that the bypass road, a long-felt demand of the residents and traders of Lalgudi, would eliminate the congestion caused by heavy vehicles. He pointed out that the town development committee would comprise representatives from various walks of life, including traders, professionals, educationists and service-minded individuals. The committee would ensure over all development of the town in terms of infrastructure. The bus stand and the market area wore a deserted look, with all shops remaining closed. Even medical shops have downed shutters. S.Sureshkannan, Manitha Urimaigal Kazhagam, presided over the fast in which many women and students participated.
