Gujarat pays tribute to Pulwama martyrs

AHMEDABAD: To pay homage to soldiers killed in the Pulwama terror attack, major markets in cities across Gujarat observed total bandh on Saturday. Condolence meetings, prayer meetings, and candlelight marches were organized by businesses, residential societies, and university students among others.

In Ahmedabad, New Cloth Market and parts of CG Road remained closed.Associations that observed the bandh included Panchkuva Kapad Mahajan, Dhargalwad Kapad Mahajan, Amdavad Vepari Mahajan, Relief Road Electronics Association, and Manek Chowk Sona Chandi Dagina Vepari Association.
“Our members in different parts of the city kept their shops and establishments shut as a tribute to the deceased soldiers. This is the least we can do as citizens,” said Jigar Soni, vice-president, Jewellers Association of Ahmedabad. Jewellers in Rajkot, Junagadh, Keshod, Jamnagar and other cities of Saurashtra observed the bandh.
Some traders decided to keep their establishments open and donate their day’s profits to the soldiers’ families. “Whatever profit I make today will be the minimum donation I will make,” said Vasant Tirodkar, vice-president, CG Road Retailers Association.
A condolence meeting was organized at the Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry. In Vadodara, shops on new Laheripura Road, Sant Kabir Road, Mangal Bazaar, and Panigate will remain closed over the weekend. MS University cancelled ‘Sunburn Campus’ which was scheduled to be held on Saturday.
Over 70,000 shops in 180 textile markets remained closed in Surat.