Clothiers bandh loses steam

HYDERABAD: The scene at the textile market in Old City resembled that of mischievous kids caught in the act. Cloth traders, who had chosen not to shut shop on second day of the two-day strike called by the AP Federation of Textile Association over imposition of five percent VAT, were seen running helter-skelter downing shutters and hiding shop keys, as soon as federation members arrived to enforce shutdown among erring traders.A couple of shop boys could be seen locking customers inside to ensure business was not affected and ensure the federation members didn’t catch them.A few smart traders set up temporary shop right outside their closed shops and sold cloth, just like unorganised hawkers.“The T issue has taken away more than 30 per cent of our business in the past few months.We totally support the ongoing strike since VAT imposed by the government is unjust but the business has to run if we are to recover losses,” said a shop owner near Charminar.Apart from half-downed shutters, there were also shops which opened for the day just to fulfill existing contracts.“We had to supply cloth to a nearby school.The school authorities demanded we cary out our contractual obligations.Once we settle their sale, we will close shop by lunchtime,” said a textile shop manager near Punjagutta.Even textile shops in Lakdi- ka-pul and Saifabad were seen open or with half-closed shutters.Interestingly, all these shops had downed shutters on first day of the strike on November 15.But it seems on the second day, better business sense finally prevailed.“Ultimately, the cost is transferred to customers.Since the number of customers didn’t go down even after an increase in cost, many owners thought it better to remain open than lose business,” a shop owner near Somajiguda said, his eyes searching for any signs of federation members.