CTI seeks ban on protests in Delhi till Deepavali, says business hit

The Chamber of Trade and Industry (CTI) has demanded a ban on large-scale protests in Delhi's key commercial and central areas from Navratri till Deepavali, citing their impact on businesses.

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The outfit also urged the government to designate a permanent protest zone outside the city.

In a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, CTI chairman Brijesh Goyal called for restrictions on large gatherings at Jantar Mantar, Parliament Street and Lutyens' Delhi, saying repeated demonstrations and disruptions to metro services were affecting traders and customer movement.

Mr. Goyal said the festive period, beginning with Navratri and Ramlila events on October 11, is crucial for traders, with Deepavali and the wedding season following.

The organisation said restrictions are needed to protect the business of around 15 lakh traders in the national capital.

According to a CTI survey, business activity in Delhi's markets has fallen by around 70% over the past three days.

The number of customers visiting the city from outside Delhi for shopping has declined from an estimated two to three lakh daily to around 40,000-50,000, and the local footfall dropped by more than 50%, the collective claimed.

Repeated metro station closures, traffic congestion and disruptions around Jantar Mantar, Parliament Street and Connaught Place were discouraging people from visiting markets, it said.

"We fully respect the right to peaceful protest in a democracy. However, when thousands gather for demonstrations in central Delhi just before the festive season, it directly affects traders," Mr. Goyal said.

CTI general secretary Gurmeet Arora said the government should issue fresh guidelines for demonstrations involving more than 1,000 people at Jantar Mantar and other prominent locations.

The organisation also proposed setting up a permanent protest zone outside central Delhi, suggesting Burari or the Ramlila Maidan as possible locations.

The demands come ahead of the Cockroach Janata Party's call for a protest in Delhi on October 10 for the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.