NEW DELHI: The Chamber of Trade and Industry (CTI) has demanded a ban on large-scale protests in the city’s key commercial and central areas from Navratri till Diwali, citing their impact on businesses. The outfit also urged the government to designate a permanent protest zone outside the city.
In a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, CTI chairman Brijesh Goyal called for restrictions on large gatherings at Jantar Mantar, Parliament Street and Lutyens’ Delhi, saying repeated demonstrations and disruptions to metro services were affecting traders and customer movement.
Goyal said the festive period, beginning with Navratri and Ramlila events on October 11, is crucial for traders, with Diwali and the wedding season following. The organisation said restrictions are needed to protect the business of around 15 lakh traders in the capital.
According to a CTI, business activity in the markets has fallen by around 70% over the past three days. The number of customers visiting the city from outside Delhi for shopping has declined from an estimated two to three lakh daily to around 40,000-50,000, and the local footfall dropped by more than 50%, they said. “We respect the right to peaceful protest in a democracy. However, when thousands gather for demonstrations in central Delhi just before the festive season, it directly affects traders,” Goyal said.
Meanwhile, the New Delhi Traders Association (NDTA) has advised shops, offices and restaurants in Connaught Place to remain closed on Saturday, October 10, as a precautionary measure ahead of the proposed Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) protest at Jantar Mantar over alleged election irregularities.
In an urgent advisory issued on Friday, NDTA president Atul Bhargava urged establishments to remain vigilant and shut their premises, citing directions from authorities and the prevailing situation around the commercial hub.
It asked owners and occupants to cooperate to prevent potential property damage and injuries amid concerns over public safety and disruptions to commercial activity.