Sultan Bazar during Bandh Call

Traders in Sultan Bazar market here downed shutters on Friday to protest against the decision of the Telangana government not to change the original alignment of Hyderabad Metro Rail. A day after Larsen & Toubro announced that there will be no change in the alignment at Sultan Bazar, the traders observed the strike and took to streets.Holding placards and raising slogans, they sat in front of closed shops. They asked Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao not to go back on his promise to save the market. “KCR. Save Sultan Bazar” — read most placards. The protesters raised slogans against L&T Hyderabad Metro Rail officials. There was an argument between the protesters and police. A few traders were arrested. “We still hope the chief minister will come to our rescue and save our livelihood,” said a trader. Another said they were ready to sacrifice even their lives to save the market. (Photo: Zabi)