PUNE: The Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) and the police have stepped in to protect traders who want to keep their shops open during the proposed indefinite bandh againsttarting April 22. Besides, all 12 malls in Pimpri Chinchwad will remain open.

Speaking at a joint press conference in Pimpri on Thursday, municipal commissioner Shrikar Pardeshi and deputy commissioner of police (zone III) Shahji Umap, urged traders to not to close shops in the interest of consumers.

Umap said that policemen will be deployed in adequate numbers at malls and small traders will also be protected. Pardeshi too said that civic officials will be deployed to help malls and shops remain open during the bandh period. Earlier, a meeting of all 12 mall operators was called by the police and the municipal corporation on measures to be taken during the bandh. Pardeshi said, "Malls will be kept open from 9 am to 10.30 pm so that people do not face shortage."

Umap said the police will enforce provisions of section 37(1)(3) of Mumbai Police Act to prevent the agitating traders from conducting meetings, taking out motor cycle rallies, moving in groups to persuade others to close shops and other activities to enforce the bandh. "Action will be taken against the traders who sell goods at exorbitant rates to fleece people during the bandh," he added.

Pardeshi said that small traders are mostly retailers and they do not have to pay LBT as they purchase goods from others within municipal limits. "Essential commodities like foodgrains, vegetables, meat and many others are exempted from LBT. So, small traders should not worry and keep away from the bandh," said Pardeshi.

He said that since most demands of traders have been met, they should not go on strike.