Arni traders on stir seeking repair of shops in market

The market, which functions near the bus stand, has more than 150 shops, of which more than 90 are housed inside the municipal market complex in the town.

It may be recalled that a few days ago, three of the shops inside the building collapsed due to the heavy rain, following which the traders demanded that the local body must undertake repair works to ensure the safety of the remaining shops.

However, the local body made announcements asking both public and traders not to enter the buildings stating that a new structure would be built if all traders agree to vacate the premises.

But the traders demanded an alternate site to continue their business, which the local body refused to provide. Further, municipal officials reportedly threatened to seal the premises if traders did not oblige.

To register their protest, traders downed shutters down on Monday and because of this nearly 200 lorries loaded with vegetables could not be unloaded.

At the time of going to press, the local body officials held talks with the traders, while the public and the lorry crew waited for the market to resume its regular activities.