Delhi traders association calls for 'bandh' over sealing drive; major markets to remain shut

Popular markets in the national capital will remain closed on Friday and Saturday following a call for a bandh by traders' associations against the sealing drive being carried out by municipal corporations.

The sealing process of shops in popular markets was carried out by municipal corporations due to the presence of unauthorised constructions and extensions. According to the Delhi Master Plan, construction jobs outside shops in these areas is illegal.

The Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT). Notably, the Chamber of Trade and Industries (CTI) had called for a three-day bandh.

The CTI has also planned to hold a protest and 'katora march' in front of Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) office at Kashmiri Gate.

Praveen Khandelwal, Confederation Of All India Traders, told ANI that almost 25,000 markets will be closed in Delhi today. Claiming that sealing process is hurting their economy, Khandelwal said that traders will be protesting across 500 markets against the sealing.

Bandh called by Confederation Of All India Traders (CAIT) in #Delhi against sealing; #visuals from Karol Bagh area pic.twitter.com/Qarpo7rUzm

— ANI (@ANI) February 2, 2018

At around the same time, a 'chakka jam' is also expected to be staged at Paharganj near New Delhi Railway Station.

Around 750 market associations have extended support to the bandh, which means that the shops selling daily requirements will also be shut.

Chandni Chowk, Sadar Bazar, Chawri Bazar, Khari Baoli, Bhagirath Place, Naya Bazar, Connaught Place and Lajpat Rai market will be affected by the bandh.

The traders will also hold protest marches during the bandh. On February 2, the protesters will gather at the Town Hall in Old Delhi. On February 3, a march will be held at Sadar Bazar.

On February 4, traders will gather at Rajghat to pray at the Mahatma Gandhi memorial for the sealing drive to end.

OneIndia News