Traders Urge Delhi Govt to Set Up Protest Venues on Outskirts

New Delhi, October 25: Seeking a middle path between public expression and commercial stability, the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) on Sunday called on the government to designate protest and rally venues on the outskirts of Delhi. The organisation said such venues would ensure that democratic rights and the normal conduct of trade can coexist.

The demand reflects growing unease among Delhi's business community over the recurring protests, sit-ins and rallies in central Delhi, which have been affecting day-to-day commerce.

Since Sunday, a number of trade bodies in the capital have jointly launched an online petition to widen public participation in the demand.

CAIT has convened an online meeting of trade leaders from Delhi on October 26. The meeting will include representatives of trade associations from all parts of the city. Participants will examine the issue, look for workable solutions and plan a joint approach to push the demand forward.

In a statement, CAIT said that repeated protests affect customer movement, transport, delivery of goods and routine business operations. Small traders, street vendors, daily wage workers and service providers are among the worst hit, since their families rely on daily income.

The body underlined that Delhi is among India's largest trade and distribution hubs. Its economic base is primarily formed by trade, wholesale and retail markets, transport, logistics and the services sector.

Delhi is not chiefly an agricultural or industrial production hub. As a result, disruption in its major commercial areas not only hurts local enterprises but can also affect the flow of goods across the country and associated economic activity.

Traders have said they have no objection to peaceful protests. However, they maintain that the livelihoods of other people should not be harmed by demonstrations. Peaceful protest is an important democratic right, but the right to do business, earn a livelihood and support one's family is just as important and deserves protection.

Trade leaders added that the initiative seeks to keep Delhi's business environment secure and protect the livelihoods of lakhs of people dependent on the city's economic system.