₹2,000 Crore Hit: Delhi Traders Plead with PM Modi to Ban Protests
Major Delhi trade associations write to PM Modi demanding a ban on protests and compensation for ₹2,000 crore in losses during the festive season.
In a desperate bid to save their livelihoods, prominent trade associations across the national capital have written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, seeking urgent intervention following devastating financial losses. The business community, reeling from the impact of recent unrest, is demanding a complete ban on protests in commercial hubs and seeking compensation for losses estimated at a staggering ₹2,000 crore.
The appeal comes from a coalition of influential bodies, including the Federation Lajpat Nagar Traders Association, the Automotive Parts Merchants Association (APMA), and the Sarojini Market Shop-Keepers Association (SMSA). The traders claim that protest calls surrounding October 10 triggered a wave of panic, effectively emptying the city's major markets for nearly ten days.
Festive Season Crisis: The Peak Sales Window at Risk
For Delhi's shopkeepers, the months of October, November, and December are the lifeline of their annual business. With major festivals like Navratri, Dhanteras, and Diwali falling in this window, a significant portion of their yearly income is generated during this period.
The Federation Lajpat Nagar Traders Association highlighted the gravity of the situation, stating that footfalls vanished for 4 to 5 days both before and after the October 10 event. They emphasized that these shops are not just businesses but the sole support system for staff salaries, children's education, rent, and the healthcare of elderly parents.
The Automotive Parts Merchants Association (APMA) echoed this sentiment, warning that if the national capital continues to be used as an arena for protests during these crucial months, many shopkeepers will be pushed to the "brink of starvation."
Demanding Accountability from Organisers
The trade bodies are not just asking for protection; they are demanding financial accountability. They have urged the government to conduct a transparent assessment of the damages and recover the losses directly from the organizers of the protests.
"A select group of 20–30 people—including high-profile celebrities and professional activists who have already made millions—repeatedly issue protest calls that destroy the livelihoods of common middle-class shopkeepers," the Lajpat Nagar and APMA associations stated.
While the Sarojini Market Shop-Keepers Association (SMSA) noted that they respect the constitutional right to peaceful protest, they argued that when liability for disruption is established, legal action must be taken to ensure fair compensation for the affected vendors.
Safety Hazards in Crowded Hubs
Beyond the financial blow, the traders raised serious concerns regarding public safety. They pointed out that unannounced rallies in narrow, congested markets create dangerous environments. The associations highlighted a critical lack of emergency infrastructure during these demonstrations, noting the absence of:
- Dedicated routes for ambulances.
- Access for fire tenders.
- Basic first-aid setups for shoppers and workers.
The Final Plea to the PMO
The trade associations have requested that the Prime Minister, the Central Government, and the Judiciary step in to ensure that no permission is granted for protests, marches, or demonstrations in Delhi's commercial hubs throughout the remainder of the festive season.
By writing to the Prime Minister's Office, the traders hope to secure a permanent solution that balances the right to protest with the right to earn a living, ensuring that the city's economic heart continues to beat during its most vital months.