KOZHIKKODE: Merchants who declared 2019 as anti hartal year have suffered losses of Rs 20 crores in the first 9 days of January from shutdowns.

Losses crossed 10 crores mark on hartal called by Sabarimala Karma Samthi alone. Another loss of Rs 10 crores was suffered on the two day nationwide strike on 8th and 9th January, says T. Naseeruddin, the President of Vyapari Vyavasayi Ekopana Samithi.

VVES have requested for compensation from Chief Minister’s Distress Relief Fund via an e-mail sent to the Chief Minister.

“Anti-hartal collective will meet on January 17 at Thrissur. The decision is to open all shops on hartal days. Law should be made in order to punish those who cause destruction to private property” -T. Naseeruddin, President of Vyapari Vyavasayi Ekopana Samithi.