Delhi traders call for bandh against sealing drive, to launch mega rally at Ramlila maidan on Wednesday

NEW DELHI: Delhi traders will be holding a massive bandh and rally at the Ramlila Maidan on Wednesday against the 'arbitrary and illegal sealing' of commercial establishments in the national capital. The Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) has called the bandh in association with All Delhi Traders, Vyapari and Workers Association.

The protestors have said that there will be no business activity in wholesale or retail markets of Delhi on Wednesday. The rally will be joined by traders, their employees and their families belonging to thousands of trade associations across Delhi. 

CAIT has also said that as a mark of protest, the traders will not even send their children to school and colleges on Wednesday. "'Inclusion of family women and children in the Rally will indicate the Government that sealing of one shop badly affects the livelihood of about 20 families. In totality about 40 lakh people in Delhi are being affected by the sealing,' CAIT secretary general and chairman of the Rally, Praveen Khandelwal said.

The traders also held a protest in about 100 markets in Delhi on Tuesday demanding immediate stoppage of sealing and de-sealing of shops which have been sealed so far. 

The markets which will be completely closed on Wednesday are: Connaught Place, Chandni Chowk, Sadar Bazar, Chawri Bazar, Kamla Nagar, Karol Bagh, Kashmiri Gate, Khari Baoli, Naya Bazar, Bhagirath Palace, Lajpat Rai Market, Paharganj, Rajouri Garden, Jail Road, Tilak Nagar, Uttam Nagar, Kirti Nagar, Naraina, Rohini, Ashok Vihar, Pitampura, Shalimar Bagh, Model Town, Amar Colony, Lajpat Nagar, South Extension, Defence Colony, Greater Kailash,Green Park, Khan Market, Kirti Nagar, Vikaspuri, Kalkaji, Tughlaqabad, Yusuf Sarai, Vikas Marg, Mandawali, Gandhi Nagar, Shahdara, Bhajanpura, Jagatpuri, Mayur Vihar, Preet Vihar, Shradhanand Marg.

Holding the government responsible, the CAIT said that action should be taken against erring officials. "Government has failed to develop sufficient commercial space in Delhi. The connivance of officials has resulted into unauthorised constructions. Why only traders are penalised. Why not stern action is taken against the erring officials," Khandelwal said.