Shops and commercial establishments, barring medical shops, downed shutters today in nearby Periyanaickenpalayam to protest against the closure of government printing press, functioning for over 50 years.

More than 20 organisations, including political parties, had given a call for the bandh from 6 am to noon to lodge their protest against the closure, putting about 75 workers and their families into lot of hardship. Over 700 shops, traders and even roadside traders participated in the bandh, with local leaders of organisations, led by Thanthai Periyar Dravida Kazhagam general secretary K Ramakrishnan seeking their cooperation, police said.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Edapadi K Palanisamy had sent a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi requesting him not to close the press. The staff of the press had been asked to join the Government Press at Nasik before January 30.