Shutdown observed in Himachal against excise duty on jewellery

Shops and commercial establishments were shut in nearly all towns of Himachal on Saturday, as traders protested against the union budgetary proposal to impose one percent excise duty on non-silver jewellery.

There was, however, no report of violence anywhere, a police official said.

The city's business hub The Mall wore a deserted look with shopkeepers joining the All-India strike by the trading community to protest against the excise duty.

However, eateries and shops selling essential items were exempted from the shut down.

Likewise, shops in prominent towns like Solan, Dharamsala, Kangra, Palampur, Mandi, Kullu, Manali, Una and Hamirpur remained partially closed for the day.