By IANS,
Kozhikode : Banks in Kerala remained closed Wednesday in response to a two-day nationwide strike called by the United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU) to protest the government’s privatisation policy.
Bank employees held demonstrations in front of banks in various parts of the state.
“No commercial banks in the state will function today. If the new generation banks open, we will force their closure. It is improper on their part to function today (Wednesday),” said A.K Ramesh, the national joint secretary of the Bank Employees Federation of India (BEFI).
Traders said they will face great difficulty if the banks remain closed for two days.
“We are purchasing rubber from farmers. They demand immediate payment. How can we pay them if the banks remain closed for two days?” says Baby Kallarackkal, a rubber trader at Puthupaddy near Kozhikode.
He said many of the traders were unaware about the bank strike and had not made any contingency plans.