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Sealing drive fallout: Traders go on two-day ‘Delhi bandh’

The Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) went on a two-day ‘Delhi bandh’ from Friday to condemn the Municipal Corporations…

Sealing drive fallout: Traders go on two-day ‘Delhi bandh’

Representational Image (photo: Getty Image)

The Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) went on a two-day ‘Delhi bandh’ from Friday to condemn the Municipal Corporations ‘sealing drive’ in the capital.

As per media reports, the CAIT, which claims the support of 2,000 traders’ associations, said the traders were shutting shop to “lodge a strong protest against arbitrary sealing of commercial establishments in Delhi”.

“CAIT has called for a complete shutdown in which more than seven lakh business establishments and 2,500 markets will participate. No commercial activity will take place and all wholesale and retail markets of Delhi will be completely shut,” said media reports.

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Popular markets in Connaught Place, Chandni Chowk, Karol Bagh, Khan Market, South Extension, Greater Kailash, Lajpat Nagar, Defence Colony and Green Park, among others are likely to remain closed on 2 and 3 February.

Popular markets in Connaught Place, Chandni Chowk, Karol Bagh, Khan Market, South Extension, Greater Kailash, Lajpat Nagar, Defence Colony and Green Park, among others are likely to remain closed on 2 and 3 February.

The sealing drive is being carried out by a Supreme Court-appointed Monitoring Committee against business establishments using residential properties for commercial purposes, and is being implemented by the three BJP-led municipal corporations.

The action is being taken against properties for non-payment of conversion charges, or for alleged violation of civic norms such as encroachments or illegal constructions.

Earlier, protest were held by the AAP was in Delhi’s business hub Chandni Chowk. Led by AAP Delhi convener and Labour Minister Gopal Rai, many local traders also joined the protest against the sealing drive and the Centre’s move to allow100 percent Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in retail. Delhi Environment Minister Imran Hussain and former AAP legislator Alka Lamba also participated in the protest.

All three major parties in Delhi, the ruling AAP, Congress and the BJP, which also controls the three municipal corporations, have extended their support to the traders.

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