Guwahati traders' body threatens intensified stir

By our Staff Reporter

GUWAHATI, Dec 14: In protest against, what they said, the apathy on the part of Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi on the demands of the traders affected in the recent fire at New Market in Fancy Bazar in the city, the members of the All Guwahati Traders’ Association today staged a protest meeting-cum-dhar at Fancy Bazar in Guwahati.

The traders’ body said that on the very day of the fire and after it, the leaders of various parties and organizations visited them and gave assurances  of helping them out. “However, till today we haven’t received any help from any quarters, not even from the State administration, and hence this protest today,” leaders of the traders’ body said.

The leaders of the association said: “We have sent a memorandum to Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi demanding Rs 10 lakh as ex gratia to each of the businessman affected by the recent devastating fire at New Market in the Fancy Bazar area. We’ve also raised the demand for helping us out by ensuring bank loan under the Mudra Nidhi Scheme. However, it’s unfortute that the Chief Minister hasn’t even acknowledged the receipt of the memorandum, let alone meeting our demands.”

The leaders of the traders’ body said that if their demands were not met, they would have to intensify their agitation in the entire city and the State.