Traders on strike as MCD continues sealing shops

They have threatened to intensify agitation in the coming days if the Govt does not take note of their grievances.

Traders in the Capital have gone on a 48-hour strike, closing down almost all major markets, to protest sealing of shops operating in residential areas.

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Traders said that the strike was "just a warning and will be intensified if the government does not take note of their legitimate grievances".

Responding to the shutdown call given by trade bodies, shops in Greater Kailash, Karol Bagh, Lajpat Nagar, South Extension, Moti Nagar, Patel Nagar, Rajendra Nagar, Naraina, Rohini, Pitampura, Paharganj, Green Park and Shahdara downed their shutters, traders claimed.

Markets in Nehru Place, Hauz Khas, Uttam Nagar, Mayur Vihar, Gandhi Nagar and Patparganj were also affected to some extent, while shops in Connaught Place and Chandni Chowk remained open as both the market associations did not participate in the strike.

"Our demands are that the basement area of buildings should be allowed to be used as godowns, offices should be permitted to function in the first, second and third floors and the MCD should take traders into confidence before taking any decision," General Secretary of the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) Praveen Khandelwal said.