Howrah tense as Nabanna March forces Mangla Haat shutdown, traders report heavy losses

The Nabanna march by eligible unemployed teachers on Monday led to heightened security measures in Howrah, especially around Mangla Haat. The administration deployed police forces and issued a directive for a complete shutdown of shops in the area, citing precautionary reasons. The protest was organized by the platform of unemployed teacher candidates demanding recruitment and resolution of pending issues.

Traders at Mangla Haat expressed strong dissatisfaction over the closure. They said repeated protests on Mondays and Tuesdays are affecting their sales during peak business days. According to them, the current week is crucial for selling pandal materials, garments, and puja supplies. The Mangla Haat Traders’ Association (Central) stated that lakhs of rupees in trade were impacted due to the enforced shutdown on Monday.

“We are sensitive to the demands of the protesters, but every time the protest is scheduled on Monday or Tuesday, our income suffers the most,” said Malay Dutta, president of the association. The traders have raised concerns about the timing of such protests and plan to convey their demands to the authorities for alternative dates that do not clash with key business periods.