Cooch Behar, May 17 (Siliguri Journal) – The Cooch Behar District Traders Association has launched a 24-hour business shutdown in the city starting Friday morning. This protest is in response to several municipal taxes. The traders are primarily demanding the removal of the newly imposed water tax, a reduction in the high conservancy fee, and a decrease in the trade license fee.
Reportedly, all shops in the area, including Bhawaniganj and New Bazaar, have remained closed since the morning. The traders have condemned the municipality’s decision to double the conservancy fee, trade license fee, water tax, and legal charges on land.
The traders highlighted that Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had previously ordered a suspension of these taxes before the elections. Despite this directive, the municipal chairman did not implement the suspension. Following this, the traders submitted a memorandum on May 2 seeking redressal of their grievances. With no resolution in sight, the traders decided to escalate their protest by calling for the shutdown.
