Traders call 48-hr bandh from Feb 2

The traders’ body has called a 48-hour citywide ‘bandh’ on February 2 and 3 to protest against the sealing drive. The Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) on Saturday said all wholesale and retail markets in the Capital will remain shut on both days. 

The decision was taken in a meeting comprising over 400 traders at the Constitution Club. The association has also passed a resolution to file a plea in the Supreme Court against the sealing action. 

In a bid to make the shutdown a success, the association plans to install around 50, 000 hoardings and billboards calling the ‘bandh’. 

The sealing drive is being conducted in the city on the direction of the Supreme Court-appointed Monitoring Committee. 

Besides asking for immediate de-sealing of shops, the traders demand that the Centre bring a legislation in the upcoming Parliament session to protect traders. 

“Traders from across the country will join the demonstration to show solidarity. The manner in which the sealing drive was conducted without giving any prior notice or opportunity of hearing in a dictatorial manner is ruthless,” said Praveen Khandelwal, secretary-general, CAIT. 

Also, a delegation of traders plans to meet the Monitoring Committee to urge them to stop the drive.

The CAIT had called a bandh last week in which all major markets including South Extension — I and II, Hauz Khas, Yusuf Sarai, Greater Kailash, and Defence Colony, among others remained shut. 

‘WILL APPROACH SUPREME COURT’

“Traders from across the country will join the demonstration to show solidarity. The manner in which the drive was conducted without giving any prior notice or opportunity of hearing in a dictatorial manner is ruthless,” said Praveen Khandelwal, secretary-general, CAIT.