Traders march in protest

ABBOTTABAD: Traders of Cantonment Bazaar took out protest rally against the lockdown the government has imposed to prevent the spread of coronavirus disease (Covid-19).

The protestors demanded immediate lifting of lockdown in the cantonment area as more than a month long lockdown has impoverished them.

Cantt Traders Association President Mumtaz Khan while addressing the protestors said that they had no other alternative left but to reopen their business as government has not paid them single rupee in relief. Mumtaz said small shopkeepers and stallholders were finding it difficult to feed their families while the street vendors were in worst condition.

He demanded the opening of barber shops and beauty salons, cloth, garments and tailor shops, besides cosmetic and other stores under SOPs applied to shops which the government has allowed to operate like grocery stores.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 6^th, 2020.