Delhi markets shut over CJP protest: Khan market traders warn of daily loss of ₹1.5 crore per trade | Today’s news
Several prominent markets in Delhi remained closed on Saturday, October 10 amid the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) protest at Jantar Mantar, raising fears of business losses.
Connaught Place, Palika Market, Khan Market, Janpath and Karol Bagh are among the key commercial areas where traders have decided to close shops or advised them to remain closed due to security concerns and possible disruption.
Khan Market Traders Association president Sanjiv Mehra said ANI businesses face high operating costs even as shops remain closed, with a one-day closure potentially causing losses of Rs. ₹1-1.5 million per trade.
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Connaught Place, Palika Market, Khan Market, Janpath and Karol Bagh were among the markets whose traders decided or advised that shops remain closed on Saturday, October 10.
Traders cited safety concerns and the risk of disruption or damage near the protest. Road closures, traffic congestion and the possibility of reduced customer numbers also affected business decisions.
Khan Market Traders Association president Sanjiv Mehra estimated losses of ₹1 to ₹1.5 million per trade in a single day. Perishable goods can contribute to these losses.
Traders in Lajpat Nagar, Sarojini Nagar and Chandni Chowk said their markets would remain open despite increased security restrictions and closure of metro stations.
Decisions of market associations are advisory and do not bind individual traders. The articles say that individual establishments can decide whether to open or close depending on the situation.
“… we have decided to keep it closed. Khan Market is one of the first markets to be affected when protesters are stopped nearby, raising concerns about damage to shops and property. Businesses in markets like Khan Market, Connaught Place and South Extension face high costs, including rent and salaries, even as shops remain closed.”
“A one-day shutdown can cause losses of Rs 1-1.5 crore per shop. Perishable goods like fruits and food add to these losses. I urge political parties to reconsider their approach and hold peaceful protests outside busy business areas.”
Meanwhile, New Delhi Traders Association president Atul Bhargav said the Connaught Place market will also remain closed today.
“…Protest-related disruptions are affecting business for the past four to five days, with demonstrations by INDIA bloc members around Connaught Place causing road closures, traffic jams and public inconvenience,” Bhargav told ANI.
“The situation has become more serious today. The Janata Party announced a protest but did not get permission. Due to the possibility of the situation escalating, the authorities advised us to remain closed,” he added.
About 500 protesters were detained by the Delhi Police
Delhi Police on Saturday detained around 500 protesters who were trying to reach Jantar Mantar over the CJP’s proposed move against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
Sources said the protesters were detained in an area of New Delhi where police are using drones to monitor the movement of people trying to reach the protest site.
Protesters were detained at several places, including near Regal Cinema, Minto Bridge and near Akashwani Bhawan.
Ahead of the proposed Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) protest at Jantar Mantar, police sources said more than 600 people with criminal history were also detained in all 15 districts of the capital as a precautionary measure.
The preventive action is aimed at ensuring that people with criminal backgrounds do not create a law and order situation during the proposed demonstration, sources said.
Police are also closely monitoring the movement of certain people who could mobilize crowds or influence others to participate in the proposed protest, sources said.
Surveillance outside the residences of such people has been strengthened as part of security measures, they added.
