Mumbai: Sporadic protests by traders erupted on Day Two of the Covid-19 shutdown, especially in Chembur and Navi Mumbai.

On Wednesday, hoteliers’ federations AHAR, HRAWI and NRAI along with other district associations formed the United Hospitality Forum of Maharashtra (UHFM) to protest against what it called “oppressive steps” taken by the state government in its bid to control the pandemic. UHFM will conduct silent protests at various restaurants across Maharashtra at 12.30pm on Thursday.

AHAR president Shivanand Shetty said, “Lakhs of families are dependent on this industry. So we have formed this forum to voice our protest and press for measures that are conducive for us to do business.”

Meanwhile, confusion prevailed over various rules, including home delivery by wine shops, in the absence of a formal notification.

Pali Hill corporator Swapna Mhatre said, “Shop owners are uncertain about which shops are allowed to stay open and which are not. Why couldn’t the government call it a lockdown if they are asking non-essentials to stay shut?”

Traders in Navi Mumbai and Panvel turned their ire against the shutdown. Protests erupted in Vashi, Nerul, Airoli, Kamothe and Panvel with adherence to Covid safety protocol. One trader from Vashi said, “We cannot afford yet another closure after the last one year. We have just settled down with adequate manpower and are getting business back to normal. We will protest against such decisions taken by the government."

Kalyan-Dombivli Municipal Corporation sealed nine shops, one beer shop and one badminton court inside Kalyan Sports Club which were functioning despite closure orders. tnn