GUWAHATI, March 15: The 12-hour trade bandh called by the Sadou Asom Byobosayee Santha (SABS) was total in Guwahati today. The bandh was against the ten-fold hike in trade fees by the previous government in the State. SABS general secretary Prantosh Roy said in a statement today that the new dispensation at Dispur is also out to deal a blow to the traders by going ahead with the increased fee. Despite repeated pleas, the government is maintaining a silence, and that prompted the Santha to stage dhar in front of Labour Commissioner’s office on March 10 and bandh today. All traders of the city cooperated to the call. After the bandh talks were held between the Santha and the DC who assured it of holding talks on fee hike based on Assam Shop and Establishment Act, 1971.
