Traders shut shops to protest fair at Mandi’s Paddal Ground

The Beopar Mandal, Mandi, today enforced a day-long shutdown across the city to protest against the temporary market set up at Paddal Ground for the five-day Mandav Utsav which began on November 5. The event was organised by Mandi Municipal Corporation. All shops in the main market areas remained closed following the call given by the traders’ body.

Earlier in the morning, members of the Beopar Mandal appealed to all shopkeepers to keep their establishments shut. They gathered at Chauhata Bazaar at 10 am to take out a protest rally. The rally culminated with the submission of a memorandum to Gursimar Singh, Additional Deputy Commissioner.

Beopar Mandal president Rajesh Mahendru said that during an inspection by a traders’ delegation, it was found that the fair at Paddal Ground was going on and participating traders were planning to continue business until November 25. This, he said, was in clear contrast to the assurance given by the administration that the temporary market would be removed by November 20.

Mahendru added that despite repeated attempts to seek clarity, the administration had failed to provide any concrete solution, leaving the traders with no option but to register their protest through a market closure. He said the ongoing fair was directly affecting trade and causing several operational difficulties for city shopkeepers.

The Beopar Mandal has demanded that the temporary market at Paddal Ground be shut down immediately and urged the administration to involve the traders’ body in decision-making for similar events in the future to avoid conflict and ensure smooth coordination.

As a result of the protest, commercial activity in Mandi city remained largely suspended throughout the day.

When tried contact for his views, ADC Gursimar Singh did not respond to the call.