CAIT meets Patil on sealing issue

New Delhi, Sep 21 (UNI) A delegation of Confederation of All India Traders today met Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil urging him to resolve the sealing issue.

A delegation led by CAIT secretary general Praveen Khandelwal said they submitted a four-point programme urging Mr Patil to implemnet it at the earliest so as to tide over the present crisis.

''As a first step, the Government should comply with December 31, 2005 notification. It should immediately regularise 1400 colonies in Delhi to save them from being sealed,'' he said, adding the catagorisation of colonies should immediately be scrapped.

He said the Government should also come out with a economically viable rehabilitation package for the affected traders.

Mr Khandelwal said Mr Patil assured the delegation that they would look into all issues and also announce a rehabilitation package after considering the merits and demerits of the matter.

When asked about yesterday's violence that erupted during the 'Delhi Bandh' call given by traders, he said they would try to maintain peace in the future. However, the proposed two rallies and other programmes that have been announced for the next two days will continue, he added.

The meeting was also attended by Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit, Minister of State for Urban Development Ajay Maken and Delhi Chief Secretary Ramesh Narayanaswamy.

Meanwhile, a Group of Ministers are also holding a meeting today to discuss the sealing issue.

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