KOZHIKODE: While a section of traders is on with a malicious campaign against the district administration on the renovation of SM Street converting it into a heritage street with regulated traffic, many of the citizenry came out against the organized attempt to torpedo the inaugural programme by creating pandemonium at the meeting called for discussing the details the other day. They say manhandling legislative members, snatching mikes and showering abuses are not the way a real trader would deal with such an issue.
"It was only ignorance that made these few to behave in such a low manner on such a noble cause", said Sumesh Mangalassery, an avid traveller heading Kabani the other direction, a city-based initiative. "Once it is in vogue they will be feeling ashamed of what they had done towards those who headed the initiative."
Many feel the way a section of leaders in Vyapari Vyavasayi Ekopana Samithy dealt the issue with brought shame for the entire trading community.
Vyapari Vayavasayi Samithy SM Street unit president Riyas Rayiroth told DC that there was an organised attempt to unleash violence and torpedo the entire the inaugural function. It was already announced that the meeting was only for the office-bearers of organisations. But a section of leaders managed to bring employees from all shops to the spot to create the inflammable situation.
"It was the coolness of the dignitaries including the district collector, MLAs and mayor that avoided any untoward incidents", he pointed out.
"Let us see the result of a regulated traffic through the street first and bring solutions to reduce the problems". Taxpayers' Association chairman PTS Unni told DC that there should be provisions for ensuring transporting of goods to the shops. "The movement of traffic in allied streets also should be ensured buy lifting some one-way traffic systems and inducting and reopening of some closed roads", he pointed out.
