Poles apart from govt. on FDI, traders raise black flags

Over 3 lakh shops in Chennai planted black flags in their establishments on Tuesday.

The move was intended to symbolise their opposition to the government’s decision to allow 51 per cent Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in multi-brand retail, said the president of Tamil Nadu Vanikar Sankhankalin Peramaippu A.M. Vikramaraja.

Flags flew high in several shops in areas such as Adambakkam, T. Nagar, Koyambedu, Triplicane, Parry’s Corner, Egmore, K.K. Nagar and Ekkaduthangal.

“Despite our protests, the government has gone ahead with its decision. This has deeply hurt the trading community. I don’t understand why we have to follow the foot steps of the US and permit FDI here,” he said. The black flags will continue to fly for another seven days till October 7, he added.

“We plan to burn the government order on October 2 to protest against the decision,” said Mr. Vikramraja.

A meeting is planned to be held today at Jantar Mantar in Delhi, where representatives from all states would participate and decide on the next course of action.