TIRUPUR: Traders and shopkeepers across the district went on strike on Wednesday to protest the hike in property tax, 18% GST on commercial properties and the increase in electricity tariff.
As part of the strike, grocery stores, restaurants, bakeries, textile shops, jewellery stores, cellphone shops and electrical shops remained shut. Around 300 shops in the Tirupur cotton market complex and vegetable market also remained closed.
Protests were held in various areas, including Tirupur city, Avinashi, Perumanallur, Dharapuram, Palladam and Uthukuli, urging both the Union and state govts to roll back the hike in property tax, 18% GST on commercial properties and the increase in electricity tariff.
Black flags were hoisted in front of shops as part of the protest. Traders said the protest was organized to express their stand to the central and state govts.
The Tirupur Exporters and Manufacturers Association, various other organizations and political parties, including the AIADMK, BJP and the Left parties, extended their support to the strike.
K C M Duraisamy, president, All Traders Association and Small Business Traders Association, said, “Around one lakh shops remained closed across the district from 6am to 6pm. Around 2,000 knitwear firms also participated in the strike, which hit business to the tune of Rs100 crore. The protest also caused a loss of Rs25 crore in tax revenue to the govt.”
