Business in Delhi paralysed due to traders' bandh

New Delhi, Mar 1 (UNI) Commercial activities in Delhi today came to a standstill as nearly all the markets remained closed in response to a trade bandh observed by traders from all parts of the national capital on the issues of sealing of shops in residential areas and the demolition drive by the MCD.

Demonstrations and protest rallies were organised by traders in several markets of Delhi like the Krishna Market in Lajpat Nagar, the South Extension market, the Rajouri Garden market, the Mayur Vihar market, the Paharganj and the Kamla Nagar Market.

A major protest rally and 'Chakka Jam' (traffic blockade) were held at Karol Bagh. The rally, in which traders of several bodies like the Delhi Traders Sangharsh Morcha, Federation of South Delhi and New Delhi traders, the Karol Bagh traders Federation, Federation of Rohini traders, Federation of Delhi Trade Association, Delhi Retail Trade Forum participated, began from the Arya Samaj Road in Karol Bagh and then proceeded to Pusa Road where a 'chakka jam' was organised.

The traders, under the aegis of the Confederation of All India traders, also organised a march to Parliament House on the issue of sealing of commercial units in residential areas.

CAIT secretary general Praveen Khandelwal said that the essential commodities have been kept out of purview of trade bandh so that people do not face any problem.

Addressing the protesting traders, Mr Khandelwal demanded the Union Government to immediately take cognizance of the grave situation and said remedial measures should be taken to ensure secured future of traders and their employees.

The major areas which are observing trade bandh include Karol Bagh, Kashmiri Gate, Rajouri Garden, Lajpat Nagar, Greater Kailash, South Extension, Uttam Nagar, Mayur Vihar, Rohini, Pitampura, Shalimar Bagh, Connaught Place, Patel Nagar, Moti Nagar, Kirti Nagar, Naraina, Jagatpuri, Madhu Vihar, Kalkaji, Okhla, Govindpuri, Azad Market and other areas of West, North and South Delhi.

Mr Khandelwal said that if shops of lakhs of traders in Delhi were forced to be closed, large number of traders would become bankrupt as closed shutters of their shops would lead to the traders not being able to pay their outstanding amounts to persons whom they owe money. The banks will also suffer as traders would not be able to repay their loans and advances from banks with their shops being closed, he added.

The trade leaders urged the delhi government and the Union government to rise to the occasion and find solution to this grave problem without further delay.

UNI AR MA HT1520