Delhi traders and restaurant operators have urged authorities and political groups to prevent demonstrations from disrupting commercial areas during the festive season, saying protests, traffic restrictions and public fear have reduced customer footfall and sales in markets including Connaught Place, Janpath and Sadar Bazar.
The demand came after trader associations reported disruption linked to demonstrations in and around central Delhi. The Federation Lajpat Nagar Traders Association wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi seeking an assessment of losses allegedly suffered during the October 10 protest, compensation and restrictions on demonstrations during the festive period. The association said customer footfall was affected for four to five days before and after the event.
National Restaurant Association of India treasurer Manpreet Singh said frequent protests around Connaught Place had significantly affected businesses, with some establishments recording zero sales on certain days. He said the announcement of a demonstration could discourage visitors even when movement in the area was not formally restricted.
“People are afraid to come here. They do not want to get involved in a protest or find themselves in a difficult situation,” Mr. Singh said, adding that customers often avoided Connaught Place when they had alternative destinations. He said the effect was particularly serious during the festive season, when families typically visit the area for shopping, dining and entertainment.
Mr. Singh said businesses had also been affected during an earlier month-long protest at Jantar Mantar. He urged political parties and protesters to use alternative locations, including sites designated by the police, and requested that demonstrations not be held within three to four kilometres of Connaught Place.
The Confederation of All India Traders has separately sought a ban on protests in Delhi until Diwali, stating that business activity involving around 15 lakh traders in the national capital was being affected. The report did not establish an independently verified total value for the losses claimed by trader organisations.
The Automotive Parts Merchants Association also approached the Prime Minister, citing traffic congestion and delays caused by repeated demonstrations. It said customers, goods vehicles and traders were unable to reach markets on time, while traffic jams inconvenienced office-goers, schoolchildren and emergency services.
The disruption is being reported during a period when traders are increasing inventory ahead of Diwali and other festivals. Sadar Bazar Bari Market Traders Association president Paramjeet Singh Pamma said traders continued to incur shop rent, electricity bills, salaries and transport costs even when customer visits declined. He also cited rising prices as an additional pressure on businesses preparing for festive demand.
Trader groups have asked authorities to maintain smooth traffic movement around markets and ensure that protests do not unnecessarily obstruct public access or commercial activity. The demands come as a proposed ‘Tiranga March’ at Central Park in Connaught Place was scheduled for October 16, according to the report. The authorities’ response to the compensation requests and the proposed restrictions was not specified in the supplied material.
