The Hindu : Front Page : Delhi traders plan bandh today

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Tuesday, Nov 07, 2006
ePaper

Front Page

Front Page

Delhi traders plan bandh today

Sandeep Joshi

All schools across the Capital to remain closed on Tuesday and Wednesday

NEW DELHI: After failing to get any relief from the Supreme Court, traders in the Capital have decided to enforce a 24-hour "Delhi bandh" on Tuesday in protest against the sealing of illegal commercial establishments.

Though the traders' leaders declared that it would be a peaceful protest, the Delhi Government has ordered closure of all schools across the city on Tuesday and Wednesday since it does not want to risk the security of children.After the Group of Ministers decided to implement the directions of the Supreme Court, the traders held a late-evening meeting and called for a one-day Delhi bandh on Tuesday. They will decide the next course of action on Tuesday evening.

The Government will review the situation on Wednesday evening and then decide the course of action relating to the schools in the city.

"Traders across the city are shocked over the Supreme Court's verdict. Sealing of commercial establishments in residential areas would be a very unfortunate step that would render lakhs of traders and their employees jobless. To protest against the sealing drive, all traders will down their shutters and protest peacefully. We have urged the local traders' organisations to protest peacefully in their areas by holding dharnas and organising marches," said Confederation of All-India Traders vice-president Vijay Pal Singh. However, sources in various local trade organisations said Tuesday might see traders holding angry protests and taking to the streets. "We cannot rule out law-and-order problem in the city as witnessed during the last bandh. It is a do-or-die situation for us as a large number of traders will be displaced once the sealing drive begins," said a trade leader from North-East Delhi.

The Delhi police are also not taking chances in view of the bandh call. More than 27 companies of reserve force, including paramilitary personnel, have been deployed. They have also asked for more Central forces to meet any eventuality.

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Front Page