CAIT writes to Delhi LG Taranjit Singh Sandhu on protest sites

"Right to protest cannot come at cost of livelihoods": CAIT writes to Delhi LG, seeks designated protest sites

New Delhi, November 2

Delhi witnesses an average daily trade of approximately Rs 2,200 crore and, over the past month, normal business activities in the city have been disrupted on nearly 14 days. Delhi is one of the country's major trading and distribution centres, attracting lakhs of traders from different states every day for business and procurement activities, the letter said.

"However, the prolonged atmosphere of unrest, repeated demonstrations and traffic disruptions have prevented a large number of traders from reaching Delhi. This has directly impacted wholesale markets, retail businesses, small shopkeepers, street vendors, transport services, hotels and several other commercial activities," CAIT said.

CAIT stated that traders have personally borne the substantial financial losses caused to their businesses, but they view the entire episode with deep concern. Every individual and organisation has the democratic right to hold peaceful protests and demonstrations. However, disrupting the businesses, livelihoods and fundamental rights of lakhs of traders in the name of protests cannot be justified under any circumstances. Any such obstruction to the constitutionally guaranteed right to carry on trade, business and earn a livelihood is a matter of serious concern.

CAIT National President BC Bhartia said that Delhi's trading community is expressing deep resentment and concern over the entire situation. A significant meeting of Delhi's trade associations and prominent trade leaders will be convened after Diwali to deliberate comprehensively on the issue and decide the future course of action.

He expressed hope that traders would be able to conduct their businesses during the remaining festive season without any obstruction, fear or traffic disruption, and that normal commercial activities in the markets would continue with complete freedom.

CAIT has urged Delhi Lieutenant Governor Sandhu to urgently notify designated locations in the outer areas of Delhi for holding protests and demonstrations. This would ensure that political sit-ins, rallies and demonstrations in the future do not disrupt major commercial areas, markets and the movement of ordinary citizens. Such an arrangement would safeguard the democratic right to protest while simultaneously ensuring that trade, economic activities and the social life of the people of Delhi continue without interruption.

Bhartia said that the right to protest is an important pillar of democracy, but depriving others of their livelihood because of someone else's protest cannot be acceptable.

The interests of Delhi's trade, its economy and the livelihoods of millions of families are equally important and deserve due protection, the letter said.

— ANI