The imbroglio over shifting of traders from Bunder area to APMC yard in Baikampady has reached its peak with both the parties, traders and APMC, being firm on their stands. On the one hand, Agriculture Produce Marketing Committee (APMC) has resolved not to renew the licenses of traders in the old port area, and on the other, the traders have decided “not to budge an inch from their decision” of retaining their present establishments in Bunder.

Addressing a press conference of Saturday, Kanara Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) Honourary Secretary G G Mohandas Prabhu termed the decision of the APMC as “illegal,” alleging that the Agriculture Produce Marketing Committee had involved in “arm twisting activity” and “is acting with high handedness”.

In a meeting held on February 26, the Mangalore APMC had declared that it would not renew the licenses of the traders in Bunder area, making it clear that they should shift themselves to the main yard at Baikampady.

However, all traders attended the meeting had conveyed their decision to the APMC that they could not shift.

As a step further, Mr Kumble Narasimha Prabhu, the President of KCCI, on February 29 sent a letter to the Secretary of the State government in the Co-operation Department P Ravikumar urging that the government should immediately intervene in the issue and solve the apprehensions of the traders.

“The traders should have applied for the renewal of licenses within February end, and get fresher ones by March end. As the situation has worsened, all traders are apprehensive,” the memorandum stated.

Mr Prabhu also hinted that the traders may go for legal steps in fulfiling their demands.

KCCI President Kumble Narasimha Prabhu, other office bearers Ahmed Bava and Srinivas Kamath were present in the press meet.

MAKE MARKET SUB-YARD

Mr Mohandas Prabhu appealed the government that the Bunder area, where majority of the traders are operating, should be declared as a market sub-yard.

Quoting a letter from Additional Director (Administration) of Agriculture Marketing Director’s office, Mr Prabhu said the government had asked the APMC to consider the proposal of declaring the old port area as market sub-yard until the process of shifting the trade establishments completed.

He also cautioned that the State government was going to lose a huge revenue if the existing establishments at Bunder were shifted to Baikampady.