Kerala traders, unions organise stir against giant retailers

Kerala merchants and trade union representatives organised a 12-hour-long closure of shops to protest the entry of giant retailers in the state.

By Juhan Samuel

Kochi (Kerala), June 27 : Kerala merchants and trade union representatives organised a 12-hour-long closure of shops to protest the entry of giant retailers in the state.

Staging protest marches under the banner of the independent Kerala Vyapari-Vyvasayi Ekopana Samiti and the pro-Marxist Kerala Vyapari-Vyavasayi Samiti, the traders and trade unionists ensured that activity in Kochi came to a standstill.

However, medical shops, ration dealers and hotels were exempted from participation in today's stir.

The protest march was led by Deputy Mayor C.K.Dinesh Mani, who asked people in the state to actively campaign for the future of small-time shopkeepers and merchants.

The protesters demands included an announcement of a state legislation restricting foreign direct investment in the retail sector, refusal of licences to big retail houses by local bodies and imposition of a luxury tax on corporates entering the retail sector.

"If it is not stopped this time, we will be suffering in the future for essential commodities. This is not only for trade unions or merchants in the state, but also for the entire public. From today onwards, all merchants, trade unions and the workers under them should unite and start a massive protest against (retail) giants entering the state," said Mani.

A few persons such businessman Abdul Gafoor said that the general public would benefit in the long term in terms of pricing and access to a wide product range.

"As far as I am concerned, it is good for people like us to have these kind of outlets, as we can get various products in cheaper prices. I think to a certain extent, the entry of multinationals will benefit locals like us," said Gafoor.

His views were endorsed by Anuj Raj, a local resident.

ANI