MANSEHRA: Local traders on Tuesday observed a complete shutter down strike against the arrest of colleagues and imposition of fine on them by the district administration.

The administration rejected the strike and said action had been taken against profiteers only.

The traders closed their businesses from morning to 1pm and marched in the streets before gathering at Khatma-i-Nabuwat Chowk, where they flayed the administration over arrests of colleagues.

“Today, we have shown to the administration that we are united and will never accept the indecent attitude of local magistrate towards traders during raids on shops in the name of price checking,” said Hafiz Ijaz, president of the traders’ body.

He said traders were ready to pay fine in case of profiteering or violation of laws but would never tolerate humiliation.

The traders later reopened businesses after the administration rejected their demands and dialogue offer.

Deputy commissioner Aamir Khattak told reporters that traders couldn’t influence or pressure the administration by strikes and that the administration took action against profiteers for the benefit of the common man.

“We will not allow hoarding, artificial inflation and adulteration at any cost and will continue cracking down on them,” he said.

The deputy commissioner said president of the traders’ body Ijaz Ahmad didn’t close his drug shop but incited traders to go on strike.

“I have instructed all assistant commissioners in Mansehra, Oghi and Balakot to pay surprise visits to markets and shops to check artificial inflation and adulteration. Those found to be fleecing the people will be dealt with strictly,” he said.

Published in Dawn, March 4th, 2015

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