The traders' body in the Capital protesting against the ongoing sealing drive observed a day-long 'bandh' in which major south Delhi markets remained shut on Friday. Over 200 traders gathered outside the closed shutters holding banners and placards shouting "Stop sealing, stop harassing traders".
All the major markets, including South Extension - I and II, Hauz Khas, Yusuf Sarai, Greater Kailash and Defence Colony, among others, remained shut for the day.
The Confederation of All India Traders, demanding immediate de-sealing of the shops, claimed they will call for a city-wide 'bandh' in case their voices are not heard by the authorities. They also called for the intervention of Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh urging him to initiate a direct dialogue with the traders' community.
The sealing drive is being conducted in the city on the directions of the Supreme Court-appointed Monitoring Committee.
"Why should a sword keep hanging on the trader always. We demand immediate de-sealing of the shops. Besides, they have to implement the floor area ratio (FAR) as recommended in the Master Plan of Delhi-2021, instead of harassing us," said Rajan Mehta, who owns an accessories store in GK II, M-block market.
The anxious traders also said that if the local shopping complexes under the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) can use basements for commercial use, then markets all over the city should be allowed to use basements for business.
Over 50 basements in Defence Colony market were sealed earlier this week.
"If market complexes under the DDA can have basements functioning commercially, why can't we? Also, we have paid one-time conversion charges and all other taxes to the civic body, then why are we being harassed by the government," said Jagat Gupta, a trader in Defence Colony market.
New Delhi MP Meenakshi Lekhi also visited the area on Friday to address the traders.
Meanwhile, continuing with the sealing action, the South Delhi Municipal Corporation on Friday sealed 103 commercial establishments. Also, the NDMC sealed 38 commercial units.
SEALED OFF
- In South, 21 units were sealed in Sunder Nagar Market, 48 in H-Block, DDA Market in Saket, and 34 in B K Dutt Market in Rajouri Garden for “misuse”.
- In North, 26 units in New Qutub Rd Mkt, ten in old Lajpat Rai Market and three in Timarpur Market were sealed.
