In a clear signal to states which witnessed violence against retail chains, Centre has asked them to take measures to ensure that there is no recurrence of such incidents bringing cheer to organized retailers.
“People are going to these retail outlets so we don’t see any reason for this kind of violence against them,” a senior official remarked referring to incidents in Uttar Pradesh, Orissa, Jharkhand and West Bengal which had seen attacks on Reliance Fresh outlets, media reports said.
It is indeed ironical that while there was opposition in these states, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y.S. R. Reddy came out strongly in support of retailers clearly showing the divergent views on the issue.
The central government at the recent conference of Directors General and Inspectors General of Police told states not to succumb to mob violence and asked senior police officials of states where such incidents occur to discourage unlawful assemblies.
“States have been told to ensure that no such violent incidents occur and to take suitable action in such cases,” an official said.
Uttar Pradesh where Reliance Fresh had opened its outlets was asked to close shop on the grounds that there was law and order problem. This action by the state government had resulted in about 1,000 employees losing their jobs with the closure of Reliance Fresh outlets
