Delhi Traders Urge Protesters to Avoid Connaught Place
The New Delhi Traders Association calls for protesters to choose alternative locations for demonstrations, citing business disruptions.
Traders in Connaught Place request protesters to avoid the area during upcoming demonstrations.
Recent protests have significantly impacted local businesses and livelihoods.
The Delhi Police has designated new protest sites, moving away from traditional locations.
In a recent appeal, the New Delhi Traders Association has requested political parties and protesters to refrain from staging demonstrations in Connaught Place, a bustling commercial hub in the city. This call comes in response to ongoing protests against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, which have forced many businesses to close their doors. The traders' body emphasized that Connaught Place serves as their workplace, urging demonstrators to choose alternative locations for their activities.
The traders' concerns are particularly heightened as the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) plans to hold a gathering titled 'Lehra Do Tiranga' at Central Park in Connaught Place. In anticipation of this event, the New Delhi Municipal Council has announced that the park will be closed to the public on October 16 and 17. The traders' association expressed respect for the right to protest but insisted that the commercial area should not be used as a platform for political expression.
The association highlighted that recent protests have severely affected their sales and disrupted the livelihoods of various workers, including shopkeepers and vendors. They noted that the ongoing demonstrations have led to road closures and traffic disruptions, making it difficult for people to access their workplaces. The traders' body conveyed a strong message: "You protest for a better tomorrow, don't kill our today."
Amid these tensions, the Delhi Police has shifted the focus of protests from Jantar Mantar to newly designated sites such as Ramlila Ground and Burari Ground. This change has raised concerns among protesters about the accessibility and feasibility of these new locations. The traders' association reiterated their plea, stating, "Connaught Place is a market area, not a protest site," and urged demonstrators to respect their right to earn a living.
Looking ahead, the traders' body is hopeful that the festive season will bring increased foot traffic and sales. They continue to advocate for a peaceful coexistence between their business operations and the right to protest, urging all parties involved to consider the broader impact of their actions on the community and economy.
