Delhi: Major markets shut down to protest sealing drive
Due to a protest by trade association members, 7-lakh business establishments and over 3,000 commercial markets in New Delhi will remain closed today. They are protesting the ongoing sealing drive and held a congregation at Ramlila Ground in Central Delhi from 11 AM. No traffic advisory has been issued as the turnout is not expected to be more than 7,000 people.
Traders from 22 areas, including CP, Lajpat Nagar, Kashmiri Gate, Paharganj and Amar Colony have agreed to keep their shutters down. Markets not affected by the sealing drive, like Sarojini Nagar and Chandni Chowk, have also extended their support. Shopkeepers will be joined by their employees and families to "indicate how sealing of one shop affects about 20 families," said Praveen Khandelwal, Secretary-General, CAIT.
Today's strike has been called by CAIT and CTI, two major traders' bodies in Delhi representing over 3,000 trade organizations. This is the third strike in three months against the sealing drive that started last year in December. The protesters are demanding an ordinance or a bill by the Delhi Government to stop the sealing drive in the national capital.
Ramlila Maidan is witnessing two strikes today: traders' rally that is set to cover 75% of the ground and Anna Hazare's indefinite hunger strike that was started on March 23 demanding Lokpal at the Center and Lokayuktas in the states, among others.
