FAISALABAD, Oct 14: The shopkeepers of D-Grounds and its adjoining markets observed a complete strike on Thursday to register their protest against the traffic system and mode of parking introduced by the Tehsil Municipal Administration.

The protesters also held demonstration by carrying banners and placards inscribed with slogans in favour of their demands. They chanted slogans against the TMA (city) and demanded immediate implementation of the previous pattern of traffic and way of parking.

The traders claimed that the TMA had constructed the area road strips and introduced the one-way traffic system, which was not only against the business interests of the shopkeepers but also a security threat.

Heavy police contingents stood alert at the D-Grounds to avoid any untoward incident throughout the day. When contacted, the TMA officials claimed that the strike of the traders was unjustified, as the traffic plan and parking style had been introduced after the completion of a roads design with an expenditure of Rs25 million.

They also refused to change the decision despite the strike of the traders, insisting that the new plan would be implemented in letter and spirit.