Prominent markets observe day-long bandh against sealing drive

Three prominent markets of the Capital remained shut as traders along with across the city protested against the sealing drive being carried out by the Supreme Court-appointed Monitoring Committee. M Block in Greater Kailash-I, Defence Colony Market and Khan Market downed their shutters on Tuesday morning, bringing business to a halt on the second day of the week.

An uneasy calm prevailed in GK's M Block, which is a major shopping hub, as the alleys remained empty. Businessmen in the market observed a day-long bandh, enduring the loss of business worth lakhs of rupees. The market has a lot of restaurants, cafes, jewellery, garment shops and saloons, all of which suspended work to show solidarity towards the traders whose units have been sealed.

Vikas Sahota, who sells clothes from the basement of a small shop, said, "Our fellow shopkeepers are being harassed by the committee. They should give us some time to rectify the violations if there are any. They cannot snatch our bread and butter without any warning."

Talking to DNA, Vikram Bhasin, president, Traders Welfare Association, M Block, GK-I stated, "The response to the strike was very encouraging. There was a complete shutdown. We did suffer losses today as there was no trade but we are looking at the bigger picture. The committee cannot close shops and make us suffer. The government must take cognizance of the sealing drive going on across the city."

The traders assembled in South Extension - Part I to air their grievances where leaders cutting across all party lines met them. Bhasin further stated, "Senior leaders from the Aam Aadmi Party, Bharatiya Janata Party, Congress and local councillors visited us and assured of quick redressal. We suggested that some ordinance must be brought in the Assembly that puts a ban on sealings."

Some shops in Khan Market opened around 2 pm while some others remained shut till evening. Anshu Tandon, president, Khan Market Welfare Association said, "We are standing by our fellow businessmen. What is happening across Delhi is sheer high handedness. The buck must stop somewhere. The committee cannot seal us for the rules we never flouted."