Lovleen Bains

Doraha, May 8

Shopkeepers at Doraha today gave a cold shoulder to the call given by various kisan organisations to open shops and protest against the decision of lockdown restrictions.

“We cannot go against official orders. Defying lockdown orders is not only illegal but also unethical. When the administration is leaving no stone unturned to curb the spread of the virus, we cannot disregard their efforts,” said a shopkeeper.

“We stand in solidarity with the farming community but had their protest been thoughtfully planned, the execution would have been better. We should not be selfish as the Covid situation is grim. We have to be united to fight the war against coronavirus. Frontline workers are working day-in and day-out to flatten the curve. It is our duty to stand by them and help them than to create problems for them,” added another shopkeeper.

“Shopkeepers have certain issues related to the opening and closing timings of the shops, which can be discussed with the administration officials. Opening shops forcibly and going against the official orders is wrong and we cannot support

such a call,” expressed another shopkeeper.

“Moreover, we are in no position to pay the fine we would have to bear by opening our shops against lockdown orders. We are already facing a financial crunch,” shopkeepers collectively said.

The president of the All India Traders’ Union, Bobby Tiwari, said: “No shop was opened today. We have to go as per the orders of the administration as we cannot afford to fight against life.”