Tarun Karthick
Campbell Bay, 15 June 2021
Small Traders Association has informed the Deputy Commissioner, Nicobar District through a letter submitted to Assistant Commissioner, Campbell Bay that all shops in Campbell Bay, Great Nicobar will remain shut from 16th June as a mark of protest.
District Magistrate, Nicobar District has recently partially modified Office Order No. 37 dated 30th April 2021 and Office Order No. 49 dated 10th May 2021 and has allowed opening of non-essential shops on Saturday, Sunday and Monday between 6 Am to 10 Am among other relaxations.
The members of Small Traders Association are not happy with the relaxations given to the businesses in Nicobar District. Small Traders Association, Campbell Bay, Great Nicobar through the letter to DC has intimated that members of their association will not open their shops from 16th June 2021 for indefinite period until their demand of opening all shops (essential and non-essential) everyday from 6 Am to 6 Pm is met.
Nicobar Times spoke to some members of Small Traders Association who informed us that District Administration is being unfair to the residents of Nicobar District. They added that the District has not reported any cases of COVID-19 in the second wave and still unfair restrictions are being imposed here.
Nicobar Times also spoke to some young residents of Great Nicobar who also echoed the views of the members of Small Traders Association and they have also extended their support to the protest of Small Traders Association.
Almost all shops of Campbell Bay, Great Nicobar are members of the Small Traders Association and one can expect all shops to remain closed in the Island if the District Administration does not negotiate and accept demands of the members of the association.
Though bit delayed but very welcome decision to show courage as we are not on mercy of DC.