Shops closed to protest land acquisition for airport

About 100 shopkeepers in Chinniyampalayam and Kalapatti downed shutters to air their protest against land acquisition for expansion of the city airport. The shopkeepers said their business would be hit due to expansion, as majority of the houses would be demolished and residents moved to other places. They demanded that the administration and Airports Authority shelve the project or find some alternative place, without disturbing the residents and also trade and business. The residents were already on agitational path and had stages protests by hoisting blackflag atop their houses, and organising day long fasts.