NEW DELHI, 1 November 2006 — A 72-hour traders strike in protest against sealing of unauthorized shops in New Delhi entered the second day yesterday with major markets remaining shut and a few schools fearing violence staying closed.
Despite the Supreme Court monitoring committee on sealing having recommended a two-week postponement in the drive, traders showed no intention of discontinuing their strike.
“Our three-day strike is on and, like yesterday (Monday), thousands of traders are participating actively in the protest. Yesterday (Monday), we achieved unprecedented support. Till a final assurance on the halting of the sealing drive, the fight will continue,” said Praveen Khandelwal, secretary-general of the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT).
Refusing to be moved by any recommendation or verbal assurance, he said: “We have read about the monitoring committee’s recommendation, but there is no question of going back until a written assurance is given that we will all be spared.”
During their meeting with Urban Development Minister Jaipal Reddy, the traders told him that they would not call off the strike till they get a written commitment from the government that the sealing drive will not be resumed.
The Municipal Corporation of Delhi moved the Supreme Court yesterday seeking postponement of the sealing drive that is scheduled to resume today.
Alarmed by the traders’ protest, the federal government is likely to file a petition before the Supreme Court today seeking a review of its orders to seal commercial establishments in residential zones.
“We are hoping to file it (review petition) tomorrow,” Reddy said.
