All set for Delhi Bandh tomorrow

New Delhi, Mar 20 (UNI) Commercial activities in the capital will come to a virtual standstill tomorrow with shopkeepers in all major markets deciding to down shutters in response to the Delhi Bandh called by the Confederation of All India traders (CAIT) in protest against the sealing of commercial units on a Supreme Court order.

Agitated over the ''lethargic and irresponsible attitute'' of the Centre, the Delhi Government and the MCD towards the regularisation of shops in residential areas, the trading community in Delhi is gearing up for a major shutdown tomorrow in a bid to force the government to take immediate cognizance of their problems.

South Delhi markets like Lajpat Nagar's Krishna market, the South Extension market, Greater Kailash, Kotla Mubarakpur, Kalkaji, Govindpuri, Green Park and Hauz Khas as well as markets of West Delhi including Jail Road, Tilak Nagar, Vikaspuri, Janakpuri, Uttam Nagar, Khyala, Nangal Rai, Naraina whereas those in North and East Delhi including Rohini, Shalimar Bagh, Pitampura, Ashok Vihar, Model Town, Azadpur, Kamla Nagar, Shakti Nagar, Roop Nagar, Malka Ganj, Subji Mandi, Ghantaghar, Rani Bagh, Vikas Marg, Laxmi Nagar, Mayur Vihar, Jagatpuri,Gandhi Nagar, Krishna Nagar, Jheel, Khureji, Shahdara, Acharya Niketan, Vasundhara, Patparganj will remain closed tomorrow as part of Delhi Bandh, the Confederation of All india Traders (CAIT), which is spearheading the traders agitation, said.

The Delhi Bandh, called by the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT), Delhi Traders Sangharsh Morcha and other leading trade bodies of the capital has gained wide support from all corners and the traders are committed to reflect their anger and resentment on March 21 by keeping their establishments closed, CAIT Secretary general Praveen Khandelwal said.

According to Mr Ramesh Khanna, President, Delhi Traders Sangharh Morcha, the Bandh will be total as leading trade bodies of Delhi including Karol Bagh Traders Federation, Yamuna Paar Traders Federation, Federation of Rohini Traders, Federation of Delhi Trade Associations, Paschimi Delhi Vyapar Mahasangh, North Delhi Traders Federation and Federation of South Delhi&New Delhi Traders as well as trade bodies of Bhagirath Palace, Chandni Chowk, Khari Baoli, Kashmiri Gate and Mori Gate have declared to observe it in their respective markets.

According to him, the trade bodies of Delhi are deeply agitated and resent the dubious approach of the Government on protecting traders and citizens of Delhi from the order of sealing of shops in residential areas although the deadline date of March 26 is approaching fast.

The Government has so far not divulged its mind, leading to an atmosphere of fear and anxiety amongst trading community of Delhi, he said.

The traders are also angry with Delhi Government which has not come out in support of them and the citizens who are likely to be uprooted from their business establishments.

According to the CAIT almost five lakh traders and their 25 lakh employees are likely to be affected by the Apex court order for sealing all commercial units in residential areas.

UNI