Ration dealers plan strike on July 14

ALAPPUZHA: The All Kerala Retail Ration Dealers’ Association has declared a one-day strike on July 14 in protest against “harassment” by the Civil Supplies Department. In a statement here, association general secretary R. Radhakrishnan said ration dealers would close shops, take out protest marches to taluk supply offices and stage dharnas on July 14.

If the authorities failed to heed to their demands, a joint action council representing the ration sector would be constituted to intensify the agitation. Mr. Radhakrishnan alleged that the past 24 months were marked by the government’s failure to implement promises, denial of benefits, unjustified raids and conspiracies to weigh them down with financial burdens.