Surat textiles to observe bandh today

Shocked by the death of four youths in Goa, the textile sector in Surat has decided to observe bandh on Saturday. The four youths were from the Jain community which forms a large chunk of the textile sector in the region. Majority of textile markets have extended their support to the bandh. However, the announcement has resulted into rift among members of FOSTTA (Federation of Surat Textile Traders’ Association).

The bandh was decided by a few members of FOSTAA, who wanted to express their grief over sudden death of the four youths on Wednesday. The families of three of them were associated with the textile business.

The decision was unanimously accepted. In-charge president Nirmal Jain immediately passed the decision through SMS to textile traders. While some textile traders readily accepted the decision, others were angered over the unexpected bandh called by FOSTTA. The difference of opinion created a rift between textile traders and FOSTTA members. Angered textile traders called the bandh “unwanted”.

Meanwhile, FOSTTA president Devkishan Manghani was informed about the bandh and immediately sought for it to be turned into a voluntary one. It meant that textile traders will be free to participate in the bandh or continue with their business on Saturday.

“There was some confusion over the bandh called by Nirmal Jain, but now it has been sorted out. It is voluntary and those wanting to keep their shops open are free to do so,” Manghani said.