Traders down shutters against new bus stand

VELLORE: Shops in Vaniyambadi remained closed on Thursday as a mark of protest against the inauguration of the new bus stand.With a view to easing traffic congestion at the old bus stand, the Vaniyambadi Municipality passed a resolution to open an additional bus stand at Chettiyappanur, during the previous regime.A new bus stand was then constructed and arrangements for its inauguration were made. However, the date is yet to be announced.Members of the public, trade unions and merchants’ association decided to oppose the inauguration of the new bus stand as it is situated in a remote area.On Thursday, shops including hotels, textile shops, tea stalls and provision stores downed shutters. Members of 18 merchants associations  under the Vaniyambadi Vanigar Peravai, all trade unions, the TN Justice Speakers Trust and many political parties protested near the old bus stand.The protest was led by Congress District General Secretary Riyaz Ahmed, DMDK town secretary Shankar, Indian Union Muslim League town secretary Nizar Ahmed, BJP district deputy secretary T V Murugan, Vidhuthalai Siruthaigal town secretary Gnanasekaran,  Vaniyambadi Vanigar Peravai president Sridhar and Tamil Nadu Justice Speakers Trust president K Umar.