Lukewarm response to bandh by trader’s body

‘Shops that were open on Thursday may be shut on Friday for another bandh call’

In solidarity: Some shops were shut on Madhavaram High Road, Perambur, on Thursday.

The bandh called by the Tamil Nadu Vanigar Sangankalin Peravai, a trader’s body, on Thursday as a mark of support for protesters in Thoothukudi evinced lukewarm response in the city as shops in many areas remained open.

However, those in localities including Perambur and Purasawalkam, downed shutters in support.

T. Vellaiyan, president of the Peravai, said, nearly 50% of the shops did business on Thursday since another bandh had been called on Friday.

“There was some apprehension among many traders if they will have to shut shop tomorrow as well. So, the ones that were open today are likely to remain shut on Friday,” he added.

Residents said they didn’t face much difficulty as most shops were open through the day.

R. Anbazhagan, a resident of Porur, said, “I never faced any problem buying vegetables or groceries; it was business as usual for shops in our area,” he added.

Black flags hoisted

Milk retailers and dealers did business wearing black badges and bands. Many had hoisted black flags in front of their homes and establishments as a mark of support.

“We are not taking part in Friday’s bandh since we cannot participate in such bandhs regularly. If any political party or association calls for bandhs then they must close their own establishments first,” said S.A. Ponnusamy, Tamil Nadu Milk Dealers Employees Welfare Association.