The impact of the ongoing student protest at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi is now clearly visible on Connaught Place (CP), the capital's largest business center. Amidst the continuous protests and concerns regarding security, New Delhi Traders Association (NDTA) has taken a big decision and decided to keep all the shops of Connaught Place closed at 6:30 pm today. The association says that at present this decision has been taken only for today and the next decision will be taken after reviewing the situation further.
According to NDTA President Atul Bhargava, after the incident of July 20, there has been a big impact on the business of Connaught Place. He claims that there has been a decline of about 70% in business. He said that common customers are avoiding coming to the market due to security reasons, due to which shopkeepers are suffering huge financial losses.
He said that in this regard, New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) had also suggested taking necessary steps in view of security. After this, the traders collectively decided that the shops should be closed ahead of time.
Atul Bhargava clarified that the traders have no objection to the students' performance. He says that the concern is that some anti-social elements have also become active amid the protests, due to which the threat to law and order and security has increased. He said, "We have no problem with the students, but anti-social elements have entered among them. This is a matter of concern for us."
Appealing to the government, the NDTA President said that the solution to the current tense situation should be found through talks. He said that the government should leave its stubborn attitude and communicate with the students, so that the situation becomes normal and the impact on the business of the capital is reduced.
Atul Bhargava also raised questions about the continuous online food delivery at the protest site. He said that the way food orders are being placed in large numbers online, it raises apprehensions that apart from the protesters, outsiders may also be helping in some way or the other. However, he did not claim to have any concrete evidence in this regard.
At present, traders say that their first priority is the safety of customers, employees and shopkeepers. In such a situation, they will continue to take necessary steps with the administration until the situation becomes normal.
