Delhi traders protest at closures

By Sushil Kumar Jha
BBC Hindi service, Delhi

Traders demonstrate in Delhi's Karol Bagh market

Thousands of traders have demonstrated in the Indian capital, Delhi, over moves to close illegal businesses.

On the second day of a 72-hour strike, most shops and markets across the city remained shut.

The authorities are due to resume their drive to seal businesses on Wednesday but officials say that is now unlikely.

Courts have ordered firms operating illegally in residential areas to shut, Traders say the drive will affect the livelihoods of 500,000 people.

In September four people were killed after a demonstration by traders turned violent.

The municipal authorities began sealing shops in residential areas last year after the Supreme Court said that a ban on illegal businesses had to be enforced.

Protests across Delhi have since become widespread.

The main opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has appealed to the Supreme Court to review its ruling.

The governing Congress party says it is trying to find a solution for those affected.

Traders say municipal authorities often take money from the poor and the middle-class in return for turning a blind eye to illegal constructions or encroachments on public land.

Agitation continues

A committee appointed by the Supreme Court has suggested that the current drive to seal up illegal businesses in residential areas be postponed for two weeks.

But traders say they will continue their planned agitation on Wednesday.

Most shops and markets around Delhi remained shut

Meanwhile, the federal Urban Development Minister, Jaipal Reddy, has said the government will file a petition in the Supreme Court on Wednesday on behalf of the traders and asking for their concerns to be considered.

On Monday, day one of strike, most schools and colleges and all markets around Delhi were closed.

And although some markets opened on Tuesday, most shops in Delhi's major commercial centres of Karol Bagh, Greater Kailash, Kotla Mubarakpur and Pitampura remained shut for a second day.

Effigies burnt

Karol Bagh, normally a buzzing market of clothes, shoes, car parts and jewellery, wore a deserted look.

Hundreds of traders, wearing black caps as a mark of protest, shouted slogans against the Delhi state government and its Chief Minister, Sheila Dixit.

The protestors, supported by some local opposition Bharatiya Janata Party politicians, burnt effigies of Ms Dixit and one representing the Municipal Corporation of Delhi.

The drive against businesses in residential areas is expected to affect more than 40,000 traders.

In an earlier decision, the court gave some respite to shops like hair-cutting salons, tea shops and dairies operating from very small premises.

Some says this will benefit almost 10,000 traders

The Delhi authorities say that will not resume sealing illegal premises on Wednesday as it could lead to a law and order problem in the city.

In September, the court provided temporary relief to the traders when it ruled that they can continue their businesses till 31 October in view of the ongoing festival season.