New Delhi: The two-day nation-wide bandh called by traders began this morning (March 31) marking their stiff opposition to introduction of VAT (Value Added Tax) in the states.

The "Bharat Bandh", organised under the banners of Bharat Udyog Vyapar Mandal and Confederation of All India Traders, is reported to have commenced on a peaceful note in major commercial centres.

In Delhi, initial reports indicated that the bandh was near total with trading and business activities in posh Connaught Place, Central Delhi and North Delhi areas coming to a grinding halt.

Traders claimed that the bandh was "a grand success" and all the shops in market areas like Connaught Place downed shutters protesting the move to introduce VAT in all states from tomorrow (April 1).

The bandh call also appeared to have evoked overwhelming response in wholesale markets in the national capital where transactions in Sadar Bazar, Khari Baoli and Azadpur areas were virtually paralysed.

PTI