Delhi sealing: Markets to shut for two days from Friday

The Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT), which claims the support of 2,000 traders associations in the city, has called for a bandh on February 2 and 3.

A day after the Centre announced a slew of measures—including amending the Delhi master plan 2021—to provide relief to traders from sealing, market associations have decided to go ahead with their decision to shut their shops on Friday and Saturday.

The Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT), which claims the support of 2,000 traders associations in the city, has called for a bandh on February 2 and 3. (Sanchit Khanna/HT PHOTO)

The Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT), which claims the support of 2,000 traders associations in the city, has called for a bandh on February 2 and 3.

Prominent markets such as Connaught Place, Chandni Chowk, Karol Bagh, Kamla Nagar, Khan Market, South Extension, Greater Kailash, Lajpat Nagar, Defence Colony, Green Park, Rajouri Garden and Tilak Nagar are likely to remain closed.

Praveen Khandelwal, national secretary-general of CAIT said, “To lodge a strong protest against the arbitrary sealing of commercial establishments in Delhi, the CAIT has called for a complete shutdown in which more than seven lakh business establishments and 2,500 markets will participate. “No commercial activity will take place and all wholesale and retail markets of Delhi will be completely shut,” he said.

Khandelwal said though the Centre had moved certain proposals to benefit traders, the final decision will be taken by the Delhi Development Authority in its board’s meeting on Friday.

“In addition to this, at least three days will be required for inviting public objections. We will continue to register our protest in different ways till a real change comes through,” he said further.

The confederation will take out a protest march in different markets, including one in Karol Bagh on Friday. On February 3, about 100 traders from other parts of the country will join them for a march from Red Fort to Town Hall in Chandni Chowk, said a CAIT member.

The Aam Aadmi Party-backed Chamber of Trade and Industry will also carry out a protest march from Kashmere Gate to Old Hindu College building on February 2, in which traders will carry begging bowls .

CIT convenor Brijesh Goel said, “More than 750 traders associations and 20 industrial areas will support the bandh. Chandni Chowk, Sadar Bazar, Chawri Bazar, Naya Bazar, Bhagirath Palace, Connaught Place, Lajpat Rai Market will remain closed. We will end the bandh on February 4 by visiting the memorial dedicated to Mahatama Ghandhi at Rajghat and pray that the sealing drive gets over,” said Goel