Kozhikode (Kerala), Oct 21 (PTI) — Intense protests erupted on Tuesday morning at the Palayam market in Kozhikode, with hundreds of traders and laborers voicing their opposition to the market's relocation, a move set to be inaugurated by Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan later in the day. The protestors argue that the new market complex features smaller shop sizes and is situated far from bus transport facilities. In contrast, CPI(M) affiliated traders' organizations are backing the relocation to Kalluthankadavu, describing it as modern and spacious, with a plethora of amenities. According to these traders, relocating the market would also alleviate the traffic congestion at the Palayam market, located centrally in Kozhikode city. They assert that the new site offers over 300 shops, compared to only about half that number at Palayam. The protestors expressed their dissent by waving black flags and chanting slogans against the new market complex. They also claim that smaller traders' shops are inconveniently situated on top of a covered drainage canal, leaving prime locations for larger traders or companies. Laborers involved in loading and unloading at Palayam claim that the new market offers no employment prospects for them. Trade union groups involved in the protest have criticized authorities for not consulting them before deciding on the market's relocation.
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