Trade Bandh: Vandalism in Delhi, 1,500 detained

New Delhi, Nov 7: Incidents of vandalism in parts of East Delhi marked the 'bandh' called by Traders in the national capital today against the Supreme Court order to resume sealing of commercial establishments in residential areas of the city.

Protesting traders damaged public property and blocked traffic in various areas of East Delhi, especially the arterial Vikas Marg.

Police used tear gas, banton-charged and detained about 1,500 unruly individuals. Eight public transport buses were damaged.

Demonstrations were also held in some parts of South Delhi with traders taking out a rally in Green Park. Police detained many of them, including BJP leader Vijay Goel and his supporters.

The bandh, however, evoked a mixed response as some markets remained open while others were closed. Markets in New Delhi Municipal Council did not participate in the bandh even as essential services were kept out of its perview.

Heavy 'bandobast' had been made by the city police, which was also reinforced by central police forces, in view of the strike.

While traders were apprehensive about the sealing drive, the common man was worried about his safety after violent incidents that marred the 72-hour Delhi trade bandh, which ended on November 1.

All government-run schools were closed and so were public schools as a precautionary measure.

Yesterday, the apex court ordered the authorities concerned to carry out sealing without delay and said the traders could not be allowed to hold the government to ransom. Later, the Group of Ministers, led by Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil, resolved to implement the directive.

While Resident Welfare Associations had hailed the order, trader bodies had expressed disappointment.

Meanwhile, sealing in the capital could only start after the court-appointed Monitoring Committee prepared a schedule.

UNI

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