Delhi Traders to Remain Closed for Three Days to Protest Sealing Drive

Protesting against the ongoing sealing drives initiated by the Supreme Court-appointed monitoring committee and BJP-led civic bodies; traders in the national capital have called for a 3-day strike starting from Friday, February 2.

The Chamber of Trade and Industry (CTI) convenor Birjesh Goel in a press interview said that the 72-hour shutdown of the markets across the city comes as a means of protest against the sealing drive of the BJP-led MCD.

“The sealing is raising panic among traders and market associations which is certainly not in the best interest of business atmosphere in the national capital”, the chamber said.

Goel further informed that over 750 market associations have agreed to the shutdown call.

Markets in areas including Chandni Chowk, Sadar Bazar, Chawri Bazar, Khari Baoli, Naya Bazar and Bhagirath Place are likely to be affected by the shutdown call.  Also Connaught place and Lajpat Rai market are to remain shut, news agencies reported.

Commenting on the matter Lieutenant Governor of Delhi, Anil Baijal said that his office is in talks with Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and is exploring all the possibilities of addressing the concerns of the traders.  LG in a tweet said that the issue of ongoing sealing of shops and commercial properties is of a concern and is being taken in with priority.

“The CM is informed of all possibilities keeping in view judicial pronouncement and laws, some solution is to evolve soon”, he said.

Also Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal in a tweet assured the LG’s office of possible support saying that the situation in Delhi at present is not in the best shape and there are anxiety and distress among traders.