Traders to down shutters on November 29

KOZHIKODE: Retail traders of the State have decided to down shutters on November 29 as part of a state-wide protest against the Central Government’s move to throw open the retail market to global supermarket giants.Kerala Vyapari Vyavasayi Ekopana Samithy (KVVES), the association of traders in the state, has declared an agitation protesting the Union Government’s move to allow 51 per cent FDI (Foreign Direct Investment) in multi-brand retail sector.In a statement issued here on Friday, KVVES leader state president T Nazarudheen alleged that the decision would affect one million traders as a whole and the small and medium scale shop owners in particular. Moreover, it will pave the way to steep hike in prices of commodities in course of time.“The retail giants may sell goods at a low price initially.But, once the small and medium scale traders become extinct due to competition, prices will skyrocket. The Occupy Wall Street protest is also a consequence of such price rise,” Nazarudheen said. Citing the concerns, the association has submitted petitions to the chief minister, finance minister and industries minister. KVVES will also stage protest marches towards all district headquarters as part of the strike on November 29.“If the government fails to take a positive step, it will have to face consequences in the upcoming by-election,” he said. Opposition Leader V S Achuthanandan, in Kozhikode on Friday, said the Central Government’s decision would affect millions of traders in the country. He has asked the Union Government not to push the small and medium scale traders to misery and withdraw from the decision. He added that the party would launch strong protests against the Centre’s decision