Responding to the call given by apex body Confederation of All India Traders, businessmen here on Monday observed a three-hour shutdown from 9am to show their solidarity with bereaved families of the CRPF personnel slain in the February 14 terror attack in Pulwama.

Wholesale and retail shops were closed from 9am to noon in main commercial hubs Bistupur and Sakchi and others in Golmuri, Jugsalai, Kadma, Mango, Telco and Dhatkidih.

A dozen business outfits, including the influential SCCI, Jamshedpur Chamber of Commerce, Jamshedpur Jewellers’ Association, Jamshedpur Transport Welfare Association, Sakchi Retail Merchants’ Association, Bistupur Traders’ Association and Kamani Centre Shop Owners’ Association, took part. “We strongly condemn the heinous attack on our innocent jawans and express our solidarity with the families of the victims and our government,” said Suresh Sonthalia, CAIT national secretary and ex-chief of SCCI.

Members of Jamshedpur Chamber of Commerce went around Sakchi market appealing to traders to join the bandh. A condolence meeting was held at Chamber Bhavan in Bistupur at 12.30pm.

Three persons and SCCI donated Rs 51,000 each for the families of slain CRPF jawans. Individual donors were businessman G.R. Golechha (businessman), industrialist and SCCI president Ashok Bhalotia and president of Jamshedpur Jewellers’ Association Bipin Adesra.

Ranchi shops open

Ranchi shops stayed open on Monday. Shops were closed on Saturday when the body of slain CRPF cop Vijay Soreng arrived in the capital, a leading trading outfit functionary explained.