New Delhi: Several markets in and around central Delhi, including Connaught Place, Karol Bagh and parts of Old Delhi, will remain closed on Oct 10 in view of a protest at Jantar Mantar, with trader bodies citing police advisories and concerns over possible damage to shops and property.The New Delhi Traders Association (NDTA), in an advisory issued Friday, urged shops, offices, restaurants and other establishments in Connaught Place to remain vigilant and shut operations as a precautionary measure.“As advised by the authorities and also looking at the critical situation around CP, NDTA strictly advises all shops and establishments, including offices and restaurants, in CP to stay vigilant and close down as a precautionary safety measure on Oct 10. All establishment owners or occupiers are requested to cooperate to avoid any unpleasant situation and save themselves from any loss of property and injury during the expected protest,” the advisory stated.NDTA president Atul Bhargava said the association would write to the authorities seeking relocation of the protest from Jantar Mantar, citing its impact on businesses in the area.In Karol Bagh, members of the Ajmal Khan Road Vyapar Mandal said traders had been advised to keep shops closed until 2 pm. “We will review the situation and take a further decision depending on the circumstances,” a representative said.Devraj Baweja of Delhi Vyapar Mahasangh, however, said a shutdown has been announced for Sadar Bazar Saturday.Traders in Sadar Bazar, Chandni Chowk and other Old Delhi markets expressed concern over the closure call, with some questioning the decision to shut businesses during the peak sales period ahead of the festive season.“This is a crucial season when traders expect huge business. Keeping shops closed even for a day can cause significant losses, as stocks for the upcoming festivals are procured on credit or through bank loans. If the goods are not sold on time or sales are affected, it directly impacts our finances. We have also not received any formal circular from Delhi Police asking us to keep the market shut,” said Sanjay Bhargava of Chandni Chowk Sarv Vyapar Mandal.The uncertainty comes amid growing concern among traders over frequent protests in the capital, which have led to metro station closures and movement restrictions in several areas. With Navratri beginning on Oct 11, followed by Dussehra and Diwali, traders fear disruptions could affect customer footfall during one of the busiest periods of the year.The Chamber of Trade and Industry (CTI) has called for restrictions on large-scale protests in key commercial zones, including Jantar Mantar, Sansad Marg and Lutyens’ Delhi, until Diwali.CTI chairman Brijesh Goyal said traders respected the right to peaceful protest but were concerned about its economic impact.“If thousands gather for protests at Jantar Mantar and in the heart of Delhi just before the festivals, it directly impacts 15 lakh traders. Delhi’s overall business had fallen to around 30% of normal levels over the past three days. The number of people coming from outside Delhi for shopping had dropped from 2-3 lakh a day to 40,000-50,000, while local footfall had declined by more than 50% due to frequent metro station closures and other disruptions,” he said.“There are over a million business establishments in Delhi, providing direct employment to more than 10 million people. We earnestly appeal to political parties not to ruin our business season,” said Hemant Gupta of the Bhartiya Udyog Vyapaar Mandal.
