Traders to teach extortionists a lesson

HAJIPUR: In a unique initiative, the traders of Hajipur have finally decided to unite and defend themselves against the atrocities of extortionists.
Recently, the 5,000 traders assembled at Hajipur and constituted "Vyavsayik Sangharsh Morcha". In the age when extortionists and criminals possess AK-47 rifles and 9 mm pistols, the traders have armed themselves with traditional lathis to tackle extortionists.
About 5,000 beautifully decorated lathis with "Vyavsayik Sangharsh March" written on it have been distributed among traders recently.According to the Morcha office bearers, lathis are kept hanging inside the shops by traders near their cash boxes. "Once in a week, traders apply mustard oil on the lathis to keep it light in weight and strong," said Pappu Gupta, a trader.
On being asked, traders rued that the lengthy process of obtaining licences for arms made them chalk out the plan of lathi distribution among traders. Some extortionists have also been caught by traders and beaten by lathis in the last few days.
"If Lalu can control the entire state with lathis, why can''t we chase the criminals away using the same?" asked a trader, Mithilesh K Singh.
"Lathis were purchased in bulk with the voluntary donation made by traders," said a trader K K Bubna.