Bhatkal traders call for greater support from AC office; upset with shutting down of businesses

Business owners with shops on Bhatkal’s Main Road area have called for greater support and cooperation from local government officials after unlicensed businesses were shut down by municipality officials on September 16. Upset and angered by the move, shop owners have petitioned the government by presenting a memorandum. Making an appeal to help affected businesses, a group of distressed business owners represented by Mohammad Ali Siddibapa presented a memorandum to the Assistant Commissioner. The memordandum noted, “Action taken by (Bhatkal Town) Municipality on September 16 was inappropriate. In light of the recent lockdown and COVID-19 wave, shops were completely closed (for months) and businesses faced an overall slump. Such action could have followed a notice from municipality officials.” The delegation represented by Mohammad Ali also included Sanaullah Gawai, Zeeshan and Abdul Qayyum Colombo among others. It remains to be seen whether the Assistant Commissioner will intervene and provide business owners with time to adhere to regulatory requirements. September 21, 2020 (Bhatkallys News Bureau)