Malak Tariq
On Sunday, Traders took to the streets in Dogra Chowk near Gulab Singh Marg in Jammu to protest against the opening of Reliance Mart in the city.
In 2021, the JK admin hinted at opening a hundred Reliance marts in Jammu. The news was met with backlash from the traders and the Government rolled back on its statement. However, the JK admin inconsiderate of the local protests went ahead and the Reliance store opened in Jammu along with a license for beer and wine supply.
The Chamber of Commerce and Industries Jammu took out a march to the Reliance store with raging slogans ‘long live traders’ unity’ and ‘stop axing local businesses’.
Hundreds of traders burnt Reliance Mart banners outside the store and appealed to the admin to save small traders and cancel the license of Reliance Mart. Traders also cried foul at the admin’s notification to equip the Mart with beer and wine.
Speaking to the media, a trader said, “We were hit by demonetization and then Covid. Our survival is hand to mouth. Small traders are told about policies like Ease of Doing Business but what is this Government policy of opening a big mart in between our small openings? Small traders deserve to be saved.”
He said that the sole intent behind the move to bring in big industrialists is to axe small local businesses. “The Government should focus upon preventing existential work spheres first and then try to bring anything new,” he said.
Traders have often shown support for BJP in Jammu, they said, adding that, the people of Jammu have always supported the BJP, but it seems that the party has made all the Anti-Jammu Kashmir policies. “If the protests continue and the Government does not take note, it can affect the BJP in the upcoming assembly elections,” they said.
Another trade leader who spoke to the media exclaimed, “We did not issue any official notice or announcement, and many people have come out in support! Not only our small traders but the transporters association and pharma association representatives have joined the protest. If this is our strength without any prior protest call to all, imagine if we gather the whole public!”
The CCI President appealed to the admin to not allow this business tycoon to open another store in Jammu as it will directly affect the sales of small shopkeepers, who are already struggling for their sustenance due to rising inflation and several other issues concerning their business.
He said that allowing Reliance to open new store will prove fatal for the small businesses in the region which should not be the case as the government has the responsibility to look after one and all in the region.