Congress happy at ''peaceful bandh'' by traders

New Delhi, Oct 30 (UNI) The Congress today expressed happiness that no violent incident was reported on the first day of the three-day Delhi Traders Bandh in protest against the resumption of the MCD's sealing of commerical establishments in residential areas from November one.

''We are happy to note that a certain balance has been maintained and no violent or untoward incident regarding the loss of life or property has taken place,'' Congress Spokesperson Abhishek Singhvi said and hoped the traders would continue to excercise restraint.

He told reporters here that the Congress, the Centre and the State Government had made every effort to solve the problem of traders. They had brought to the attention of the final authority that it was a serious problem, he added. ''The Congress hopes this will lead to a constructive solution.'' The Congress will champion the cause of traders till the Supreme Court gave its final verdict, Mr Singhvi added.

Replying to a question on mafia don Abu Salem's decision to contest the Assembly election from a constituency in Uttar Pradesh, Mr Singhvi said it was ''very unfortunate''. If the law permitted it, then nothing could be done, he said. ''All parties should ponder over it and draw a line about who could contest an election.'' UNI YS RR HS2005