Traders Urge Delhi LG to Designate Protest Zones Amid Business Disruptions

New Delhi, November 2 (Daily Kiran) : The Confederation of All India Traders (CAT) has appealed to Delhi’s Lieutenant Governor (LG) to designate official protest sites in the outer areas of the capital. This request comes in response to ongoing demonstrations that are significantly disrupting business activities, livelihoods, and everyday life.

In a letter addressed to the LG, CAT President B.C. Bhartia highlighted the frequent interruptions caused by protests and political activities across various locations in Delhi. The organization urged the LG to intervene and instruct relevant authorities to identify and notify suitable locations for peaceful protests, gatherings, and political events.

Over the past month, traders have reported persistent disruptions due to these activities, which have adversely affected markets, businesses, and the daily routines of citizens. The letter stated, “While the right to peaceful protest is a vital aspect of our democratic framework and should be respected, it is equally important that this right does not infringe upon the rights and livelihoods of other citizens.”

The correspondence emphasized that the right to protest should not equate to the right to paralyze the city. Similarly, the exercise of democratic freedoms should not come at the expense of the right to conduct business.

CAT pointed out that Delhi is one of India’s largest commercial and wholesale hubs, where thousands of markets and businesses provide livelihoods for millions. The organization noted that the ongoing disruptions have impacted not only traders and shopkeepers but also street vendors, daily wage workers, transport operators, delivery personnel, and establishments in the hospitality sector.

Due to traffic diversions, road blockages, and restricted access to commercial areas, traders from other parts of the country have reduced their visits to Delhi, adversely affecting trade transactions and disrupting the supply chain.

In pursuit of a sustainable solution, CAT proposed five measures. These include designating specific areas for protests, ensuring the security of commercial and market zones, creating a transparent system for democratic protests, safeguarding livelihoods, and enhancing coordination among government agencies.

The organization suggested that Delhi Police, Traffic Police, municipal authorities, and other relevant departments collaborate to manage protests in a manner that minimizes public inconvenience while allowing economic activities to continue.

CAT clarified that they do not seek to limit democratic rights but are concerned about the potential paralysis of the capital’s economic life due to protests. The letter stated, “The Constitution grants the freedom to assemble peacefully. It also provides the right to adopt any profession or conduct business, which can be subject to reasonable restrictions in the public interest. Both principles should be safeguarded to maintain a balance.”

The traders’ organization believes that establishing designated protest areas would provide an institutional solution, allowing for the expression of democratic views while enabling economic activities to proceed without conflict.

They have requested the LG to prioritize this proposal and initiate the process of designating appropriate protest areas in Delhi’s outer regions. CAT also expressed a desire to meet with the LG to discuss the concerns and suggestions of the city’s trading community in detail.