Traders in the New Market area have threatened an agitation against hawkers who they allege have taken over two-thirds of the road space, making it difficult for buyers to reach their shops.
The Joint Traders Federation, an association of traders of markets in the area, including SS Hog Market, Sreeram Arcade, Simpark Mall, Traders Island and standalone shops, will hold a rally on Wednesday. They also plan to submit a list of demands to the police and the Calcutta Municipal Corporation.
“If there is no action against the hawkers, we will have no other option than to shut down our shops,” said Ashok Gupta, the president of Joint Traders Federation, who owns a kitchen appliances shop in New Market.