In a meeting held here today, chemists from the Ludhiana Retail Chemists’ Association along with chemists from Sarabha Nagar, BRS Nagar, Ferozepur Road and Ghumar Mandi announced to observe a bandh, along with the wholesale chemists, to protest what they have termed as anti-chemists ruling.

Amandeep Ahuja, president of Ludhiana Retail Chemists’ Association said all retail chemists supported the decision of the Punjab Chemists’ Association and would extend full cooperation.

On the other hand, members of executive body of the Ludhiana District Chemists’ Association also said that all chemists in the district — wholesale or retail — were ready to down their shutters on March 18 to drive home their resentment to the government.

“We have been holding meetings with all our allies and local associations across the district. We have strong support from all quarters and there will be a complete suspension of the sale of drugs on March 18, as part of the statewide bandh by the Punjab Chemists’ Association. If the need arises, we will continue the protest even further by stopping the sale of Schedule H drugs,” said Tikka Dalip Singh, president of Ludhiana District Chemists’ Association.

According to the state government’s decision, it becomes imperative to give an affidavit for having permission to sell Schedule H drugs in order to renew or obtain new licences.

“We are going to hold meetings with chemists from all towns of the district including Neelon, Doraha, Machhiwara, Khanna, Kohara and Samrala to garner support so that we can launch the protest campaign against the decision in a big way,” Tikka said.