Gold and Silver traders open shops (Photos)

Kathmandu: Gold and silver traders have postponed their protest.

A joint national meeting held on Wednesday by the Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Association and the Federation of Nepal Gold, Silver, Gem and Jewellery Associations decided to temporarily halt the ongoing protest.

Although their demands have not been addressed, the traders announced that shops in Kathmandu and Bagmati Province, which were closed in recent days, will reopen from Thursday.

Bhaktapur’s traders stage demonstration at New Road (Photos)

The traders have given the government an “ultimatum” until the end of the Nepali month of Asar to fulfill their demands. These include scrapping the 2% luxury tax imposed on gold, removing the 13% VAT on diamonds and precious stones, and adjusting the customs duty on gold to bring it in line with India.

The traders have warned that if their demands are not addressed by the end of Nepali month Asar, they will launch a stronger protest movement through the joint committee.

(Glimpses of gold and silver traders opening their shops)

(Photo Courtesy: Nepal Photo Library)