NEW DELHI: Delhi traders have urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to intervene over losses running into crores of rupees allegedly caused by the CJP-called October 10 protest, accusing the organisers of being ignorant of ground realities and seeking compensation from those responsible for the disruption.In a representation, the Automotive Parts Merchants Association (Regd.), Delhi, said customers stayed away from markets for four to five days before and after the protest call, causing heavy losses to businesses.The association said October, November and December were crucial for traders because of the festive season, including Navratri, Dhanteras and Diwali. It warned that repeated disruptions during this period could threaten the livelihoods of shopkeepers and their employees.
Traders seek compensation from organisers
The association urged the authorities to ensure a transparent assessment of the losses suffered by shopkeepers following the October 10 protest and recover full compensation from the principal organisers and participants responsible, rather than place the financial burden on traders already struggling with lost business.It said shop earnings supported traders’ families and employees, while covering shop rents, children’s education and medical expenses for elderly parents.The trade body also raised concerns about protests held without basic emergency arrangements, including ambulances, fire services and first aid, warning that the lack of safeguards could lead to serious accidents.It appealed to the Supreme Court, the Delhi High Court, the Central Government and the Prime Minister to intervene. It also sought restrictions on future protests or marches that bring normal life and commercial activity in Delhi to a standstill.
Police serve notice over proposed Tiranga Yatra
The appeal comes amid heightened security in Connaught Place ahead of a proposed Tiranga Yatra by Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) activist Abhijeet Dipke.Delhi Police teams visited the residence where Dipke was staying and served him a notice stating that prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) were in force in and around Connaught Place. The notice said the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) had not granted permission for the proposed march and warned that proceeding without permission could invite legal action.Police clarified that waving the national flag was not illegal, but holding an unauthorised march or gathering a crowd in violation of restrictions could lead to action. Dipke was also reminded of the rules governing the respectful use of the national flag.
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The NDMC announced that Central Park in Connaught Place would remain closed to the public on October 16 and 17 for administrative reasons. Traffic movement on some roads around the area was also expected to be affected from 3 pm on Friday.
Dipke defends right to protest
Dipke rejected claims that demonstrations disrupt business, arguing that administrative restrictions were responsible for causing hardship to traders and residents.“Businesses do not suffer because of peaceful protests. They suffer when the govt decides to shut down an entire city, suspend internet services and restrict the movement of its own citizens and turn the city into a war-zone. Since its inception, the Cockroach Janta Party has maintained that we will always follow Gandhi’s path of peace and non-violence, and we have stood by that commitment.”He also argued that demanding answers from the government was not anarchy and said an elected administration was bound to listen to citizens rather than silence them.
