NEW DELHI: Shops, offices and restaurants in Connaught Place will close by 6.30pm on Thursday after the New Delhi Traders Association (NDTA) issued an advisory citing the prevailing situation around the commercial hub amid the ongoing Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) protest.The advisory, issued to all commercial establishments in Connaught Place, said the decision was taken following telephonic advice from the chairperson and vice-chairperson of the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC), who asked that all establishments shut operations for the day by 6.30pm.Association representatives said the advisory was issued after receiving inputs from the NDMC about crowding in and around Connaught Place.Calling it a precautionary measure, they said the early closure was intended to ensure public safety and prevent any untoward incident.“There was a huge gathering in Connaught Place, with thousands of people coming to the area. As a precautionary measure, it was advised to close our shop if possible. Considering situation and for the safety of our staff and customers,” Atul Bhargava, New Delhi Traders Association president.
NDTA advisory
The traders’ body urged all shop owners, office establishments and restaurants to cooperate and strictly comply with the directions.The advisory said the measure was being taken in view of the “critical situation” around Connaught Place due to the CJP protest and asked occupiers to ensure compliance to avoid any untoward incident, damage to property or injury.AAP national convener Arvind Kejriwal shared the advisory on X, claiming that heavy security had been deployed in the area.“Order to close all shops in CP by 6.30pm this evening and intense security. Piles of ambulances. Will the central government once again attack its students at Jantar Mantar today?” he wrote.The advisory comes after four days of escalating tensions in the national capital linked to the CJP-led agitation over alleged NEET examination irregularities.The unrest began on July 20 with the party’s ‘Sansad Chalo’ march, which ended in clashes between protesters and Delhi Police near Parliament after demonstrators attempted to breach barricades.Police used lathi-charge and tear gas to disperse the crowd, while both sides accused each other of instigating the violence. Delhi Police later registered FIRs in connection with the clashes.On Tuesday, protesters resumed their sit-in at Jantar Mantar even as police tightened security across central Delhi. Activist Sonam Wangchuk continued his indefinite hunger strike, while CJP leaders reiterated that the agitation would continue until Union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigned.Wednesday saw fresh disruptions across central Delhi after the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) shut 16 Metro stations citing security reasons. The closures left hundreds of commuters stranded during the morning rush hour, with passengers forced to alter routes, rely on cabs and buses, and queue outside operational stations. Heavy traffic congestion was reported around Mandi House and adjoining areas.Later on Wednesday evening, fresh violence erupted near Tolstoy Marg in Connaught Place after miscreants allegedly hurled stones and bottles at police personnel. ACP (Connaught Place) Vivek Bhagat sustained injuries in the incident and was admitted to Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital.Delhi Police subsequently said CCTV footage from the July 20 protest corroborated its claim that protesters had attacked security personnel and vandalised public property, a charge denied by the CJP.On Thursday, another flashpoint emerged at Jantar Mantar after CJP protesters clashed with a group of Nihang Sikhs before police intervened and separated the two groups.Veteran social activist Anna Hazare also began a silent protest in Maharashtra’s Ahilyanagar in support of students demanding accountability over the alleged examination irregularities.The CJP has maintained that its protest will continue until its demands, including Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation and reforms in the examination system, are met.
