Delhi traders begin 3-day strike

Markets across the city remain closed in protest against the proposed resumption of the sealing drive.

Markets across the capital were closed on Monday as traders downed shutters beginning their three-day bandh to protest the sealing of shops in residential premises, amid tight security.

However, normal life remain unaffected in the city as educational institutions, public transport and essential services were exempted from the bandh, supported by all the major political parties.

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All the major markets including Connaught Place, Lajpat Nagar, Paharganj, Karol Bagh, Greater Kailash, Chandni Chowk, South Extension, Mayur Vihar, Khan Market and Kamala Market remained closed, traders claimed.

Traders will also lay seige to the Delhi Assembly on the first day of its Winter Session today. Chemists have also joined the strike against sealing of shops operating in residential areas.

Police has made elaborate security arrangements to patrol the nook and corner of the capital to check violence during the three-day bandh as was witnessed on September 20 during a similar protest by traders.

With the Seelampur violence still fresh in mind, police has deployed additional police and paramilitary personnel in the city to maintain law and order and appealed to people to desist from damaging public property.

Delhi Metro Rail Corporation suspended services between Delhi University and Kashmere Gate this morning in view of demonstrations by traders amnd BJP workers in the area as part of the bandh.

"We have suspended operations in the stretch from 9 a.m. till further orders on the advise of the Delhi Police," a DMRC spokesperson said.