Pics: Spoorthi Ullal

Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (SP)

Mangaluru, Jun 9: Vegetable wholesalers and retailers who had shifted business sometime back to Agricultural Produce Market Committee (APMC) yard at Baikampady from the central market building here under pressure from the officials, tried to reopen the central market and conduct business on Tuesday June 9 morning.

As the officials thwarted them, there was verbal friction between the two sides. The city corporation had ordered to close the central market as it plans to build a modern market complex in its place. It had closed down the market on April 7.

As many as 151 wholesalers and 30 retailers dealing in fruits and vegetables had been shifted from here on April 7. These businessmen came back to the central market on Tuesday and forcibly tried to restart their businesses here in violation of the city corporation's order.

Police were present in large numbers near the market as the vegetable traders had informed of their intention to shift here in advance. City corporation commissioner warned of taking legal action if the traders opened their businesses here. He also warned that the licences issued to all the merchants would be revoked if they violate law. The city corporation is hell bent on not allowing the market to be reopened.

The Central Market Merchants Association has been claiming that the court has stayed shifting of the market and hence they are eligible to resume business here. This claim has been dismissed by the city corporation officials. The businessmen also accuse the district administration of not providing any facilities at the APMC yard Baikampady.

The district administration and city corporation have been resisting effort by the traders to return to the central market. The entire area around the market has been sealed with the huge presence of the police. The merchants who have come together in front of the town hall and the footpath have been protesting against the city corporation and district administration for foiling their efforts to resume business here.