STAFF REPORTER
GUWAHATI: In view of rising COVID-19 cases in Assam, Gaurav Somani, spokesperson of the Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) and president of Professional Congress stated that Guwahati has gone out of control and the Sarbananda Sonowal-led government as well as the administration has been playing their roles as mute spectators. Hitting out at the State Government, the Congress leader said that the government should stop playing hide and seek and must pay heed to the problems of the public.
The leader expressed his concern saying that the situation particularly in Guwahati has been turning grim. Due to the suspected social transmission of novel coronavirus in the city, panic has gripped the residents.
Somani said that sensing the gravity of the situation many trade organizations of the city have decided to limit the business hours as a precautionary measure. Various trade organizations including Kamrup Chamber of Commerce, Sanitary and Hardware Merchant Association, Motor Parts Traders' Association have called for Vyapar bandh after 5 pm. These organizations have decided to close all the shops after 5 pm.
"While some organizations have favoured the deadline as 6 pm, some other bodies are of the view of closing the shops and business establishments by 2 pm. At this situation, shops in many areas in Guwahati have announced 10 days shutdown. Some traders have willingly announced the shutdown of their market complexes. It has created confusion among the common citizens," said APCC spokesperson.
He demanded the government to formulate common guidelines with a uniformity of business hours for the shops across Assam. He also demanded tax concession for the business community and a financial economic stimulus for the business and trade in Assam with proper implementation.