Delhi schools to remain closed for two days

Delhi government has directed all schools in the capital to remain shut on Tuesday and Wednesday, reports Sidhartha Roy.

The Supreme Court's directive to the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) to resume its sealing drive led to protests by traders in many parts of the city on Monday. After the Group of Ministers (GoM) decided in a meeting that the court's order would be implemented, traders announced a Delhi bandh on Tuesday.

The traders, who had gathered outside the Supreme Court, raised slogans against the sealing drive. In some parts of south and west Delhi, traders blocked traffic. Most shops in south Delhi were shut down after the court order became known.

Both government and private schools will be closed on Tuesday. Government schools will be shut on Wednesday too. Police said adequate arrangements were in place to cope with the forthcoming bandh.

Traders said all markets would be closed on Tuesday and there would be protests and dharnas at different places. The Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) said their future course of action would be decided at a meeting on Tuesday.

"No matter what the government has to do—amend the Constitution, call a special session of Parliament or bring in an ordinance—it should provide us relief from sealing," said Ramesh Khanna, vice-president, CAIT.

Email sidhartha.roy@hindustantimes.com

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