Pakistan: Traders close largest market in murder protest
Hayat was murdered on April 20th and the traders at the market say he was killed by extortionists. The traders first closed down the market on April 21st in protest at the killing, but reopened April 22nd-24th.
Since then a meeting of the traders came to a decision to keep the market closed until the persons responsible were apprehended by the law.
President, Welfare Association Wholesale Vegetable Market, Haji Shahjahan, says the police have shown more interest in arresting those protesting over the murder than those responsible for the killing.
"One day’s closure of the business at the vegetable market records loss of over Rs180 million, as around 800 trucks do not load vegetables; and each truck is worth Rs200,000," said one trader.
"Extortionists’ movement in the vegetable market has become a routine but there was no action by the police or law enforcement agencies," he said.
Traders also blocked the Super Highway on Wednesday and gave the government 24 hours to response, but they say they have not yet received a reaction.
Co-chairman, All Pakistan Fruit and Vegetable Exporters, Importers and Merchants Association, Waheed Ahmed said exporters also supported the protest but closure of business activity at Sabzi Mandi would not have much impact over exports as it was not an export season. "Kinnow export season is over while mango has not started yet," he said.
Source: www.thenews.com.pk
