IJP activists attack Reliance retail stores in Delhi

Activists of Indian Justice Party (IJP), on Friday, attacked Reliance Fresh retail outlets here, to safeguard the interests of small vegetable vendors.

New Delhi June 15 : Activists of Indian Justice Party (IJP), on Friday, attacked Reliance Fresh retail outlets here, to 'safeguard' the interests of small vegetable vendors.

Around 50 activists of the party accompanied by several street vendors, smashed the windows of the chain's store in Krishna Nagar locality in east Delhi.

They alleged that the retail chain was trying to snatch the livelihood of small vendors.

Local vegetables vendors have lamented that they are losing customers to the newly opened stores which offers farm products at cheaper rates.

"People are very angry. All those belonging to the lower strata of society, the ones who make a living by selling fruits and vegetables on roadsides, are soon going to be out of job," said Parminder Singh, National Secretary of the IJP.

"The sad part is that most organizations in the country are opting for private management. Look at Reliance itself - right from petrol pumps, the company has been buying land everywhere. Even the Government is letting Reliance take over everything, "Singh added.

Cash-rich Reliance Industries, the country's top petrochemical maker, is investing around 5.6 billion dollars in setting up a nationwide retail chain ofypermarkets, supermarkets, discount stores, department stores, convenience and specialty stores.

Officials of the company were not immediately available for comment.

Reliance has over 90 fresh vegetable and food stores since it started its retail operations last year. It expects to start opening up of hypermarkets inhe next few months.

ANI