Traders down shutters, autos stay off road

Heeding to the protest call by traders and political parties, more than 95 per cent of shops, commercial establishments, hotels and bakeries were shut since morning. 

The ever-buzzing market areas like Bazaar Street, Chathiram Street and Market Road wore a deserted look. Even eateries and shops at the bus terminus downed shutters, causing hardships to commuters and tourists. 

Traders said there were efforts to foil their attempts for a complete shut down in Pollachi. A day before the protest, anonymous posters were found across the town announcing that shops will function as usual. 

Flower sales were hit as all shops remained shut. Also, flower consignments sent daily to Kerala did not move out. Around 130 jewellery shops were closed, causing a cumulative loss of Rs one crore, sources said.  

More than 700 autorickshaws stayed off the road in support of the traders’ protest. The police had stepped up deployment. At least 500 policemen were on duty to maintain law and order.

Meanwhile, the police refused permission for political parties to take out a protest march from Pollachi Gandhi statue. “The police denied permission for a protest march citing law and order issues. We will move the court for permission and take out the march in a couple of days,” said Manoharan, a TPDK party functionary.